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Red Dress Day: National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People

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Red dresses hanging outdoors to mark Red Dress Day, honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two‑spirit people.

On May 5, communities across Canada recognize Red Dress Day, also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+). It is a day of remembrance and a time to reflect on how we can support safety, dignity and justice for Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people. 

At Okanagan College, we acknowledge that this day can carry deep emotion. It is also a moment to come together with care, to listen and learn, and to hold space for the families and communities who continue to carry loss and advocate for change.

“On May 5, we come together to recognize Red Dress Day, a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+),” says Rhea Dupuis, Director of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation at Okanagan College. “This day is rooted in remembrance and is also a moment for connection, learning and collective care. The red dress symbolizes those who are missing and reminds us to carry their stories forward with respect and love.”

Red dresses have become a powerful symbol through the work of Métis artist Jaime Black, whose REDress Project used empty red dresses in public spaces to draw attention to those who are missing and to the violence Indigenous women and girls face.

“By wearing red, we show our support, stand in solidarity with families and communities, and help keep these voices present,” adds Dupuis. “This day encourages all of us to listen, learn and uplift one another. As we pay our respects in our own ways, please take a moment to reflect on how we can walk together towards Truth and Reconciliation and foster meaningful change.”

Red Dress Day takes place during the National Week of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (May 4–8). It's an opportunity to consider how awareness can move us toward action — in our workplaces, classrooms and communities.

How to participate 

  • Wear red on May 5.
  • Display red dresses in windows, on fences or from trees.
  • Attend an event in your community.

This is a personal event for many. Please give space and kindness to those grieving or remembering loved ones.

Campus and community events

  • Penticton: Our Penticton campus will support and participate in the Red Dress Day event organized by Penticton Indian Band, City of Penticton, Ooknakane Friendship Centre, Okanagan Nation Alliance and South Okanagan Métis Association. 
  • Vernon: Campus Library display and information drop-in event. North Okanagan Friendship Centre Society Gathering and Walk. 
  • Salmon Arm: Indigenous Student Centre hosts smudging (9:30 a.m.), red dress hanging ceremony (10 a.m.), beaded pin workshop (10:30 a.m.) and stew and bannock lunch (12 p.m.). 
  • Kelowna: Dresses will be hung in the central courtyard as a reminder to please take a moment to acknowledge the meaning of the day. The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society will host a community march. 

Supports and resources

If you or someone you know is impacted and needs support, help is available:

  • MMIWG2S+ 24/7 national support line: 1‑844‑413‑6649 
  • KUU‑US Crisis Line (B.C. wide Indigenous crisis and support line): 1‑800‑588‑8717

Learn more

Watch/listen

Children and youth

National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls

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Published By College Relations on May 4, 2026