Medicine Hat College hosting Red Dress Day on Tuesday

It begins at Medicine Hat College at 5 p.m.

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(Image Credit: Medicine Hat College)

The Alberta government released a statement on Red Dress Day from the Minister of Indigenous Relations, Rajan Sawhney.

“Today, and every day, people across Alberta and Canada continue to feel the pain and absence left by missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus people. Red Dress Day makes that absence visible and calls all of us to support survivors, families and loved ones,” Sawhney said.

“Red Dress Day is a public acknowledgement of lives stolen and families changed forever. This day calls on us to confront the racism, misogyny and systemic barriers that continue to put Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus people at undue risk,” she added.

“How people talk about this crisis matters. Public discussion about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus people must not be minimized, but grounded in care, respect and understanding – because this is about real people and real lives.”

Sawhney adds that the Alberta government is focused on action, guided by Indigenous communities, organizations and survivors, including through the Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Plus People.

“This includes advancing the Alberta Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Roadmap and Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence, alongside strengthening supports to combat human trafficking and help people find safety,” Sawhney said.

“Families, survivors and Indigenous advocates have carried this work for years, turning grief into leadership, accountability and change,” she added.

“On Red Dress Day, I am asking people in Alberta to act in ways that are real and practical, learn what this day stands for and share that learning, listen to Indigenous voices and attend community events and support survivors, families and loved ones of the missing and murdered and challenge dismissive comments when you hear them.”

Sawhney encourages people to learn the warning signs of gender-based violence and human trafficking and know where to turn for help.

“Take time today to honour the lives represented by the red dresses, with compassion, with respect and with a commitment to prevent further harm,” Sawhney said.

The Saskatchewan government also released statements from a few of its ministers.

The Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs in Saskatchewan is Eric Schmalz.

“Our government stands with the families, communities and organizations who are ready and determined to create change,” Schmalz said.

“We are committed to working proactively to support initiatives that promote safety, prevention, healing and awareness across Saskatchewan.”

The Minister Responsible for the Status of Women in Saskatchewan is Alana Ross.

“Red Dress Day is a powerful reminder of the lives lost and the families and communities who continue to carry that loss,” Ross said.

“There is no place for any form of violence in Saskatchewan. Through partnerships and community-led initiatives, we continue to recognize the importance of safety, healing and awareness for Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit Plus people.”

The Justice Minister and Attorney General in Saskatchewan is Tim McLeod, K.C.

“As we observe Red Dress Day, we stand in solidarity with the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ people,” McLeod said.

“By wearing red, we honour lives taken too soon and renew our commitment to protect communities across Saskatchewan.”

A national MMIWG+ call line at 1-844-413-6649 is available to provide emotional support for those in need.

by Jesse Gill

Medicine Hat College hosting Red Dress Day on Tuesday

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