SASKATOON – The annual Red Dress Day will be observed on Friday, May 5, across the country as a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people.
The day aims to highlight the violence and abuse that IWG2S persons face due to their gender, cultural heritage, gender identity, poverty, and colonialism, placing them at a greater risk of abuse and violence.
Inspired by a national public art installation in 2010, where red dresses were hung in various places, Red Dress Day has become a symbol to raise awareness for the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. A permanent installation of red dresses can be found in the lobby of Saskatoon City Hall.
The City of Saskatoon is raising awareness by hosting an outdoor installation from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, located on the lawn between City Hall and 24th Street East.
Additionally, an awareness walk will occur from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. starting and ending at Vimy Memorial Bandstand near 20th Street East and Spadina Crescent East. The event is community-led with the support of the City, and all are welcome to attend.
To show support for the cause, several civic facilities will be lit up in red on the evening of May 5, including City Hall, the Prairie Wind art installation beside Remai Modern, and the SaskTel Centre.
