The City of Timmins acknowledges May 5 as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) in Canada. May 5 is also known as Red Dress Day, which began as “an aesthetic response” by artist Jamie Black to call attention to the staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women.
On this day, we are encouraged to honour the memories of those lost and raise awareness of on-going harm and gender-based violence by:
• Wearing red or hanging a red dress in our windows
• Hanging a red dress or tying red ribbon or cloth to a tree in our yards
• Creating Red Dress artwork
• Participating in community Red Dress events and ceremonies
“The City of Timmins is committed to supporting initiatives that foster a deeper understanding of the critical issues faced by our Indigenous peers,” says Mayor George Pirie. “Our response is unequivocal: we will stand united in ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people living in and visiting the City of Timmins.”
Red Dress Day can be triggering for those affected by loss related to missing and murdered women, girls and two-spirited people. Emotional support and assistance are available by calling 1-844-413-6649. Health Support Services including cultural support and mental health counselling is also available in Ontario by calling 1-888-301-6426.
Amanda Dyer