The City of Pitt Meadows will once again recognize the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S) people in Canada—also known as Red Dress Day—with a ceremony in šxʷhék̓ʷnəs (Spirit Square) on Sunday, May 5 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm.

“At this ceremony, we will honour and remember the many people who have lost their lives to violence, and recognize their families and communities that live with the grief of losing loved ones,” says Mayor Nicole MacDonald. “In the coming days, the red dresses that will be displayed throughout šxʷhék̓ʷnəs (Spirit Square) will raise awareness and serve as a powerful reminder of the more than 1,000 missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people in Canada. We encourage members of our community to please join us in person on this important day”

The REDress Project began in 2010, after Métis artist Jaime Black displayed an installation of a series of empty red dresses to honour and symbolize the staggering number of Indigenous women who are no longer with us. Since then, the project has been installed in public spaces throughout Canada and the United States.

Red is worn on this day to bring awareness to and reflect on the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people in Canada.

”We are grateful to be joined on May 5 by members of local First Nations, who will perform drumming of traditional songs during the ceremony and lead the community on a walk together,” says Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture Diane Chamberlain. “The ceremony will include Indigenous hoop and jingle dancing by Haida and Scottish dancer Jane Wylie as well as traditional healing medicines for smudging from the Fraser River Indigenous Society (FRIS).”

To acknowledge and honour those lost, the City will also showcase an original art piece created by q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation artist Rain Pierre. This piece is currently displayed in the lobby of City Hall and is a tribute to those who have been lost, embodying the beauty of the Indigenous people. It is available for the public to view throughout the month of May.

Please note that this ceremony addresses topics that may be traumatic to those in attendance. The Government of Canada has made available a toll-free crisis call line offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 1-844-413-6649. This call line provides support for anyone who requires emotional assistance related to MMIWG2S people in Canada.

Further details on the May 5 ceremony can be found at pittmeadows.ca/red-dress-day.

For more information about artist Jamie Black’s REDress Project, visit jaimeblackartist.com.