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Statement on Red Dress Day

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By Emily Carr University

Posted on | Updated

Filed in Faculty, Staff, Students

Scroll down to find resources in support of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People.

May 5th is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People, also known as Red Dress Day.

It is a moment to reflect on the loss of the many sisters, mothers, aunties, cousins, friends and loved ones to this atrocious national tragedy. Emily Carr University stands in solidarity with all those families and communities who mourn the absence of their members.

Red Dress Day is also a moment to reflect on how we can each contribute to the call for concrete actions to end the ongoing violence faced by Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

To that end, please find a list of resources below exploring the ongoing impacts of anti-Indigenous racism, and to encourage participation in the fight against it. A list of supports is also included for those who may need them.

To Read

  • and work to strengthen the demand for implementation of the Calls for Justice

  • , an anthology to honour murdered and missing loved ones, which includes voices from the UVic and island community

  • by Emmanuelle Walter

  • by David Robertson, a story of tragedy and beauty that illuminates the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. May, a young teenage girl, traverses city streets finding keepsakes that open a world of danger and fantasy.

  • by Briana Jonnie, a young adult graphic novel that serves as a window into one of the unique dangers of being an Indigenous teen in Canada today. The text is derived from a letter written to the Winnipeg Chief of Police by fourteen-year-old Brianna Jonnie.

  • by Jessica McDiarmid, a searing and revelatory account of the Indigenous women and girls who have gone missing or been found murdered along an isolated stretch of Highway 16 in northwestern British Columbia.


To Grow Your Understanding

  • , National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls


Indigenous Supports

  • 24-hour crisis line for survivors and family of survivors.
    Toll-Free: 1-866-925-4419

  • FNHA partners with Indigenous Services Canada to offer a comprehensive mental health plan to First Nations in BC. The plan covers counselling services from a qualified mental health provider, including psychologists, clinical counsellors and social workers.

  • The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is founded on the collective goal to enhance, promote and foster the social, economic, cultural and political well-being of First Nations, Métis and Inuit women.

  • The provides culturally competent counselling for Indigenous people across the country at any time, and can be reached toll free at 1.855.242.3310. Services are available in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut upon request.

  • Indigenous people in BC can call the Aboriginal Crisis Line at 1.800.588.8717 to access around-the-clock support for children, youth, adults or Elders.


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