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

The violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people in Canada is a national tragedy.

May 5 is the National Day for Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), also known as Red Dress Day. On this day, the nation honours the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people and supports grieving families and community healing. 

On Friday, May 3^rd, the Greater Sudbury Police Service, in partnership with Collège Boréal, Cambrian College, Laurentian University, N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre and the Province of Ontario organized a day of events to recognize and honour Red Dress Day.

The day began with a Sunrise ceremony and Sacred Fire, followed by a testimonial from Nokomis Martina Osawamick; speeches from community partners; a presentation from GSPS Missing Persons Coordinator Alex Kennedy; Calls to Action by Lisa Osawamick; and concluded with a silent walk of reflection in a trail containing numerous red dresses to symbolize the lives that have been lost or stolen.

The Greater Sudbury Police Service works closely with FILU (Family Information Liaison Unit), an agency funded through Justice Canada that facilitates the gathering of case-specific information about police investigations, coroner’s reports/reviews, court proceedings or other government processes and provides information to families. Family members of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls can access FILU for confidential, culturally-responsive, trauma-informed and victim-centered assistance.

Learn more about GSPS’ commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indigenous peoples in our community.

Today and every day, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous community members and we remain dedicated to taking action.