3 Minutes - Article
It’s more than a red dress—it’s a call for change.
What is MMIP and why do we talk about it?
MMIP stands for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People—and it’s something everyone in Canada should know about.
For years, Indigenous:
- Women
- Girls
- 2-Spirited People
Continue to go missing (or already have been) or being hurt and even killed at much higher rates than others. A lot of these cases are ignored, go unsolved, or don’t get the attention they deserve.
This crisis is a result of racism, colonial history, and how Indigenous communities have been treated for generations. Many people and families still don’t get the help or justice they deserve when someone goes missing.
Why and how do we honour MMIP?
We talk about MMIW to:
- Respect and remember the people who are missing or were taken
- Support the families who are still looking for answers
- Raise awareness so more people care and speak up
- Push for change in how police, media, and government handle these cases
When is Red Dress Day?
Red Dress Day happens every year on May 5th. People hang empty red dresses in schools, parks, and windows to honour the missing Indigenous women and girls. The dresses represent the lives that were taken and remind us not to forget them.
How can I partake in this?
- Wear red to show your support and raise awareness.
- Hang a red dress in a window, tree, or public space as a symbol of those missing.
- Join a local event like a walk, gathering, or ceremony in your community.
- Support Indigenous-led groups through donations or volunteering.
- Learn and share—educate yourself and others about MMIPG2S+ and spread awareness online.
