Community members, youth, and elders gathered in Saskatoon on May 5 for Red Dress Day events, emphasizing prevention and support for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S). The day, also known as the National Day of Awareness, began in 2010 inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black's REDress Project.
Youth Involvement and Personal Stories
Faith Bosse, 25, whose mother Daleen Kay Bosse disappeared in 2004 and was found murdered in 2008, spoke about her journey. She attended events across Canada as a child and now works to grow the movement in Saskatoon. "I never really saw it getting bigger here in the city, so my goal was to always bring it back," she said. Bosse emphasized the importance of youth participation: "As a child that grew up in this community, I always felt alone, and most of these events, I was the only kid."
Community Events and Prevention Focus
At the Cosmo Civic Centre, local schools participated in a scavenger hunt engaging with booths from organizations like the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, The Elizabeth Fry Society, and Hope Restored. The event was organized by the Saskatoon Police Service Victim Services Unit. Kerry Fetter, a coordinator, highlighted the power of sharing information: "When we have more information about risk factors, precarious situations or hazardous spaces... It just sets off that acknowledgment that 'maybe I need to remove myself, or maybe I can call somebody because I need help.'"
Organizers stressed that improving systems that have failed Indigenous women and girls is key to prevention. The red dresses hung as a living memorial serve as a reminder of the ongoing crisis. Bosse hopes to be a voice for those who have experienced similar loss, urging continued awareness and action.
