Today is about recognizing the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People. 

Red dresses are set to be on display across the country Friday to recognize the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People. It has become known as Red Dress Day and the empty garments serve as a symbol of lives that have been lost.

The head of the Native Women's Association of Canada Carol McBride, says it's clear there's an ongoing emergency nearly four years after the final report into missing and murdered Indigenous woman and girls was released. It’s a crisis…

The inquiry's final report was released in 2019 and included sweeping calls for change. It found Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing than any other group in Canada.

Sixty-three per cent of Indigenous women have experienced violence and nearly half have experienced sexual assault, Statistics Canada said in a report last year.

Each year there are more events, rallies and art displays. Despite the increased awareness and an extensive national inquiry, McBride said the situation that Indigenous girls and women face has not substantially changed

the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society is holding its 15th annual march for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2 spirit people. “All allies are welcomed to join at 10:45am for the march and event, which will begin at 442 Leon Ave at 11am, and will end back at the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society at noon for a community lunch and open mic.  The purpose of the march is to bring awareness to the issues as well as honor and remember those who have been lost. “ says Elder Edna Terbasket.

Red shirts and hoodies will be available at the event as well as ahead of time through their website. Participants are encouraged to wear red as many Indigenous cultures believe that red is the only colour spirits can see, and by wearing red we call back the spirits of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.