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  • April/May 2025: Events in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People

    An empty red dress hangs on a white hanger over a black background.May 5th is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People (MMIWG2S), also known as Red Dress Day. In honour of this day, several events will be held in Chatham-Kent. Scroll down to learn about the day and events.

    All events listed are open to everyone.

    Please contact us DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca if you would like to add other events.

    Note: it is appropriate to wear red pins, ties, coats, shirts, to show support, but not to wear a red dress. Read more about the purpose of the red dress below.


    About The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People

    Also called Red Dress Day, the day honours and brings awareness to the disproportionate violence that Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people face in Canada.

    The red dress was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project, in which she hung empty, red dresses to represent the missing and murdered women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

    The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people found that, in Canada:

    • Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit people are 12x more likely to go missing or be murdered than all other women, and 16x more likely than Caucasian women.
    • In the last 30 years, more than 4000 Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit people have gone missing or been murdered. That’s about 133 a year or 3 a week.
    • Because of persistent forms of oppression (racism, colonialism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism), complaints about missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and Women, are less likely to be taken seriously or followed up.

    The National Inquiry led to 231 Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries, and all Canadians.


    Local Events

    An empty red dress is pictured infront of a black background. All text is included below.


    Tuesday, April 22nd, 6:30PM Red Dress Pin Making

    Turns & Tales, 213 King Street West, Chatham

    $5 per person. All proceeds donated.

    Sign up in advance online or by calling 519-354-2233






    Sunday, May 4th, 4:00 - 5:00PM

    Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham

    Co-sponsored by: Ska:Na Family Learning Centre; 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre; Maawnjidimi Indigenous Network Social Planning and Action Network Member Table; and Women's Equity Business.

    The vigil will have smudge, prayer, hand drums, and guest speakers.

    Everyone is welcome.







    Supports

    This day may be triggering for some people. Help is available.

    National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people toll-free support phone line (24/7) 1-844-413-6649

    Hope for Wellness Help Line (24/7) 1-855-242-3310

    Manitoba MMIWG2S Self-Help Resources

    Chatham-Kent Victim's Services


    Learn More

    Read the final report and Calls for Justice from the MMIWG2S+ National Inquiry on the National Inquiry website

    Visit the National Family and Survivors Circle website

    Visit the Amnesty International No More Stolen Sisters website

    Find book, video and podcast recommendations on Simon Fraser University’s website