Honouring Red Dress Day: A Day of Remembrance and Solidarity
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Red Dress Day is a day to remember, reflect, and stand in solidarity with Indigenous women, girls, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people affected by the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people. It is also a call to awareness, responsibility, and collective action.
At the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB), we recognize the importance of honouring these lives with respect and care. We stand with survivors, families, and communities, and we remain committed to supporting healing, awareness, and meaningful change.
The red dress has become a powerful symbol across the country. Inspired by Jaime Black’s Redress Project, a public art installation launched in 2010, where empty red dresses are displayed in public spaces to represent the absence of those who are missing or have been taken, and to bring visibility to this ongoing crisis.
As we honour this day of remembrance, we want to highlight key elements on our dress illustration rooted in traditional Indigenous women’s clothing. The ribbon‑skirt design embodies identity, resilience and strength, with the white ribbon symbolizing purity, healing, and connection to the spirit world.
The scarf, commonly worn by Cree women, represents both practical protection and cultural identity. The belt signifies a deep relationship with the land, honouring traditional teachings and craftsmanship, while its pattern symbolizes growth, beauty, and the enduring presence and dignity of Indigenous women.
Red Dress Day is a time to learn, remember, and share. Together, we can help keep these stories visible, support one another, and strengthen our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation. Show your solidarity by sharing #mmiwg2s or #RedDressDay.
How you can support
Everyone can play a part in raising awareness and showing solidarity. Here are a few simple ways to get involved:
- Learn more about Red Dress Day and the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
- Share the message to help keep these stories visible in our communities.
- Stand in solidarity with families, survivors, and communities affected by this issue.
- Join community events. Check local Facebook pages or tune in to local radio for updates.
- Reach out for support if you or someone you know is affected.
Support
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to our Wiichihiiwaauwin (Mental Health) Helpline. It is available 24/7, with Cree speakers and Elders available upon request. Call 1-833-632-4357 for assistance.
To deepen your understanding of Red Dress Day and the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, please see the resources below:
