I just want to bring her home Families of MMIWG2S+ speak out on Red Dress Day

Families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+) gathered across Canada on Red Dress Day to honor loved ones, demand justice, and call for stronger action from governments and police authorities. The annual day of remembrance, observed every year on May 5, is marked by marches, vigils, ceremonies, and public gatherings that raise awareness about violence faced by Indigenous communities. This year’s events carried strong emotional messages from families who say they are still waiting for answers, accountability, and the safe return of missing loved ones.

One of the most emotional moments came in Winnipeg, where family members and supporters marched through the streets carrying photographs of missing women and wearing red clothing to symbolize lives lost and stolen. Sue Caribou, whose niece Tanya Nepinak disappeared in 2011, said she continues fighting to bring her loved one home. “I’m still fighting for Tanya to come home. I want to bring her home,” she said during the Red Dress Day gathering. Her words reflected the pain shared by many Indigenous families who believe justice has moved too slowly for far too long.

Red Dress Day began as the REDress Project created by Métis artist Jaime Black in 2010. Empty red dresses displayed in public spaces became powerful symbols representing Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who are missing or murdered. Since then, the movement has grown into a national call for awareness and action across Canada and parts of the United States.

Community leaders and activists used this year’s events to remind Canadians that many of the recommendations from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls remain incomplete. According to advocacy groups, only a small number of the 231 Calls for Justice introduced in the 2019 inquiry report have been fully completed. Families and supporters argued that governments must move faster to improve safety, housing, healthcare, emergency response systems, and support services for Indigenous communities.

In several cities, ceremonies included prayers, drum circles, candlelight vigils, and memorial walks. Organizers said the day is not only about remembering victims but also about demanding systemic change. Many participants spoke about racism, violence, poverty, and discrimination that continue to place Indigenous women and girls at greater risk across Canada. Advocacy groups stressed that Indigenous women represent a disproportionately high number of missing persons and homicide victims despite making up a small percentage of the national population.

Families also renewed calls for a national emergency alert system specifically designed for missing Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. Supporters say such a system could help authorities respond more quickly during disappearances and improve the chances of safely locating victims. Labor unions, Indigenous organizations, and human rights groups have increasingly backed the proposal, arguing that Indigenous communities deserve the same urgent response seen in other missing persons cases.

At Parliament Hill in Ottawa and in cities across the country, people hung red dresses from trees, buildings, and fences as silent reminders of lives lost. Survivors and families said the displays represent grief, resilience, and a continued demand for justice. Many speakers emphasized that Red Dress Day is not only a memorial but also a movement pushing Canadians to confront the ongoing crisis affecting Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.

As ceremonies ended, families repeated a message heard throughout the day: they will continue speaking out until missing loved ones are found and communities feel safe. For many, Red Dress Day remains both a painful reminder of loss and a symbol of hope that future generations will not face the same violence and injustice.