Red dresses were installed across campus to mark the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
May 5 marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals — also known as Red Dress Day.
The University of Windsor community is joining the national movement to raise awareness and honour the lives of those impacted, with a red dress installation displayed across campus.
“Several red dresses were installed across campus on Friday following a blessing ceremony with Elder Myrna Kicknosway,” said Clint Jacobs, senior advisor to the president on Indigenous initiatives. “Today, we will take down the red dresses before feasting to reflect on and honour the memories of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.
“I encourage all Canadians to read the final report stemming from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and to help implement the report’s 231 Calls for Justice to bring about deeper understanding and meaningful change.”
The red dress has become a powerful symbol of this grassroots movement. Inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s installation project, red dresses are hung in public spaces, from windows to trees, to visibly represent those who are missing and the ongoing grief felt by their families and communities.