A few dozen people wearing red marched Tuesday from the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre down to the waterfront to mark Red Dress Day. The annual event honors missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). Participants carried signs and chanted for justice, urging governments to implement the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S+.
Community Solidarity and Calls for Action
The march began at the Friendship Centre and proceeded through downtown streets before concluding at the waterfront, where a ceremony was held. Organizers emphasized the need for concrete measures to address the ongoing crisis, including better funding for shelters, culturally appropriate services, and police accountability. Speakers highlighted the disproportionate violence faced by Indigenous women and Two-Spirit individuals.
Ongoing Advocacy
Red Dress Day, observed annually on May 5, was inspired by artist Jaime Black's REDress Project, which uses red dresses to symbolize the missing and murdered. The North Bay event was one of many held across Canada. Advocates continue to push for systemic changes, noting that despite years of awareness, many families still await justice for their loved ones.
