The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) has compiled a list of events coming up for Red Dress Day, also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spirit People, in Manitoba.
If we missed any, please email details to: media@scoinc.mb.ca.
Red Dress Day is a day that is aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis and devastating impacts of the national emergency of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people.
SCO honours and remembers all those who have lost their lives due to gender-based violence, and their families and the Nations that live with the grief of losing loved ones.
SCO has created this webpage to share information about events happening in southern Manitoba.
Winnipeg Events
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs: Red Dress Day Memorial Walk and Ceremony
On May 5th, Red Dress Day, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs First Nations Family Advocate Office invites you to join in honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People.
- Date: May 5, 2025
- Time: 1 pm
- Location: Memorial Park and walk to Oodena Circle at the Forks
Red Dress Day is a National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+ in Canada. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. This day is not only a time to remember, but also a call to action to address the systemic issues of violence and discrimination that continue to impact our communities.
The event will include a ceremony, guest speakers, and a healing jingle dress dance. Families are encouraged to share their stories and have their voices heard.
Let us stand together in remembrance, strength, and the collective pursuit of justice.
Celebrating the life of Rebecca Contois and Manitoba’s MMIWG2S
This event is to celebrate the life of Rebecca Contois and Manitoba’s MMIWG2S, to honour their lives in a family friendly gathering.
We will have bouncy castles, family friendly games, live entertainment, a sacred fire, food and so much more.
- Date: May 4, 2025
- Time: 1 – 4 pm
- Location: CN Stage and Field at the Forks
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is proud to sponsor this event.
For more information, click here.
North End Women’s Centre: Red Dress Pin Workshop
Join the North End Women’s Centre (NEWC) for a red dress pin making workshop to raise awareness for MMIWG2S+ and Red Dress Day.
The workshop will be facilitated by Mikayla, Antonina and Kiana, NEWC volunteers.
All supplies will be provided.
- Date: May 5, 2025
- Time: 1-3 pm
- Location: 394 Selkirk Ave, Winnipeg
There is only room for 12 people (first come, first served).
REDress: Art, Action, and the Power of Presence” – Book Launch & Community Gathering
Join us for an unforgettable evening of art, story, and community as we launch “REDress: Art, Action, and the Power of Presence”, a powerful new anthology edited by Jaime Black-Morsette, Red River Métis artist and creator of the REDress Project.
- Date: May 4, 2025
- Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Location: Canadian Museum for Human Rights, 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg
- Free and open to the public
This deeply moving collection brings together Indigenous voices—writers, poets, artists, and knowledge keepers—who respond to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people (MMIWG2S+) through personal essays, poetry, visual art, and powerful acts of remembrance.
This event is a collaboration between HighWater Press and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and honours Red Dress Day (May 5), a national day of awareness for MMIWG2S+.
Books will be available for purchase at the event.
We welcome all community members, families, advocates, allies, and educators to come together in support, reflection, and solidarity
For more information, click here.
The 5th Annual MMIWG2S+ Walk for Justice
May 5 marks National Red Dress Day, a day of action to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples.
As a community, we will gather in a good way to share stories and hear directly from the Families and Survivors.
The gathering will be followed by a prayer walk from Oodena Celebration Circle to Memorial Provincial Park. This is an all-inclusive, family-friendly event.
- Date: May 5, 2025
- Time: 5:30 pm
- Location: Oodena Celebration Circle at the Forks
Please stay tuned here for updates and feel free to share and invite others in our community to this important gathering and prayer walk.
University of Manitoba: An Event in Honour of Red Dress Day
Join the Centre for Human Rights Research and UM Indigenous for an event in honour of Red Dress Day.
- Date: May 5, 2025
- Time: 1:30 pm
- Location: The Centre Space in the Russell Building, 84 Curry Place
The event will begin with a traditional Pipe Ceremony and Water Ceremony at 1:30 p.m., creating a space for reflection and connection. For the ceremony, ribbon skirts are encouraged but not necessary. You may also bring tobacco, but some will be available.
Following the ceremony, Cambria Harris, whose work is driven by her family’s loss and the crisis affecting the Indigenous community, will share her advocacy work, raise awareness about MMIWG2S+ crisis, and share ways to get involved in the community.
At 3:30 p.m., all are invited to participate in an informal beading circle. Dr. Sherry Farrell Racette will be working on a community art project, incorporating beadwork created on October 4, 2024, during the Provincial Day of Awareness and the National Day of Action for MMIWG2S+.
This event is an opportunity to honor and remember all those affected by MMIWG2S+, to come together in community to heal and reclaim spaces.
Light snacks will be served. To register, scan the QR code on the poster or click here.
West Central Women’s Resource Centre: Beading Workshop
Join the West Central Women’s Resource Centre for a meaningful beading workshop in honour of MMIWG2S+ through art and reflection.
You’ll learn about the significance of the red dresses as you create beaded pieces in community.
- Date: May 2, 2025
- Time:10 am – 12 pm
- Location: 640 Ellice Ave, board room
The workshop is open to women and gender-diverse people. No registration is required.
For more information, contact: Oriana@wcwrc.ca
West Central Women’s Resource Centre: Red Dress Colouring Workshop
Join the West Central Women’s Resource Centre to create awareness by colouring red dresses with MMIWG2S+ facts.
The coloured pieces will become part of a memorial art installation for Red Dress Day.
- Date: May 2, 2025
- Time: 12:30 – 1:30 pm
- Location: 640 Ellice Ave, board room
The workshop is open to women and gender-diverse people. No registration is required.
For more information, contact: Oriana@wcwrc.ca
Dauphin Events
Northwest Métis Council: Red Dress Day Campaign
Join the Northwest Métis Council for a walk in honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S+).
- Date: May 5, 2025
- Time: Meet at 3:30 PM | Walk begins at 3:40 PM
- Meeting Point: South West Corner of Main Street and River Ave
- Ending Location: Northwest Métis Council Office, 422 Main Street South
Wear red.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Bring your water bottle.
Walk with purpose. Walk with heart.
For safety, please stay on sidewalks and obey all traffic and rail signals.
A group photo will be taken and shared—come be part of this moment of purpose.
Online Events
Grandmother’s Voice: National MMIWG2S+ Awareness Day
On May 5, join Grandmother’s Voice for a virtual gathering to honour those taken, to hold space for the families, and to demand more from a system that has failed them.
This powerful virtual event will feature Jody Harbour, the Grandmothers, and special guests. Together, we will share stories, ceremony, and truth.
- Date: May 5, 2025
- Time: 10 am
- Location: Virtual, streaming live on Grandmother’s Voice Facebook and YouTube platforms
For more information on the event, click here.
Government of Canada: Working Together to End Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ People
May 5, 2025, marks the 15th anniversary of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ People, also known as Red Dress Day. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the need to recognize and address the violence still faced by many in Canada.
To recognize Red Dress Day, this special event will feature a panel of guests from the Indigenous community in Canada who will share their diverse experiences and perspectives on the challenges faced by Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada.
- Date: May 7, 2025
- Time: 1:30 – 3 pm ET
- Location: Virtual (link will be provided after registration)
Participants will explore the history and significance of Red Dress Day, the progress being made, and how individuals, communities, and governments are working together to end gender-based violence in Canada.
This event is presented in partnership with Women and Gender Equality Canada.
Speakers
For more information and to register, click here.