All My Relations and Ginawaydaganuc Village Mark Red Dress Day with May 5 Event at Almonte Library

From Ginawaydaganuc Village and Mississippi Mills All My Relations

For too many generations, Indigenous people in Canada have faced violence at rates far exceeding those experienced by non-Indigenous communities. Justice has fallen short, cases involving Indigenous victims are less likely to be resolved, and charges against perpetrators against Indigenous women are frequently less severe than cases involving non-Indigenous victims. This is an ongoing crisis with a scale and persistence that demands attention.

In response to this national tragedy, ten years ago the Federal Government launched a formal inquiry. On June 3, 2019, the final report, “Reclaiming Power and Place,” was released. It made clear that the roots of this violence are deeply embedded in the legacy of the residential school system and continue to be reinforced by ongoing social, economic, cultural, institutional, and systemic inequities. In 2020, a core working group was established to develop a National Action Plan.

Yet the crisis continues. Statistic indicate that Indigenous women and girls are still 12 times more likely to go missing or be murdered than non-Indigenous women. Aboriginal Alert reported that in 2024 there were another 272 missing persons alerts involving Indigenous individuals in Ontario alone. By year’s end, 30 of those people remained missing and 16 had been found deceased.

What has been done since the release of the action plan? Has anything changed? What more needs to be done? In Lanark County, where approximately four percent of the population is Indigenous, how are we ensuring that our local systems and practices are part of the solution?

Two years ago, Mississippi Mills All My Relations group created a powerful visual reminder with a bookcase that holds 100 books wrapped in Indigenous-patterned fabric, each bearing the name of one of the estimated 8,000 Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit individuals who are missing or murdered, as identified by The Canadian Library Project. Each name represents a life, a family, and a story that must not be forgotten.

Red Dress Day event

This year, on Tuesday, May 5, known as “Red Dress Day,” Mississippi Mills All My Relations and Ginawaydaganuc Village invite the community to come together in ceremony, remembrance, reflection, and action for Red Dress Day at the Mississippi Mills Library Public Library, Almonte Branch. This day will honour the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people, while creating space for learning, dialogue, and community connection.

The event will be guided by Elder Barbara Brant of the Turtle Clan, Mohawk Nation from Tyendinaga. Elder Barbara has been an Indigenous educator for the past twenty-five years and a Truth and Reconciliation advisor to various government departments. She was one of the Elders chosen for the MMIWG2S pre-inquiry ceremonies and sessions in 2015 and participated in the launch of the “Reclaiming Power and Place” report. Her presence at this event offers a meaningful opportunity to listen, learn, and engage.

Throughout the day, there are several ways to participate at the library on May 5th. Beginning at 10 a.m., community members are invited to bring a red dress or shirt on a hanger to help create a visual display throughout the library as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity.

At 2 p.m., Elder Barbara will open the day with a ceremony. From then until 5 p.m., visitors are welcome to drop in for tea, conversation, and reflection. From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., youth are especially encouraged to join a guided roundtable discussion, offering a space to ask questions and share perspectives.

The evening program, from 6 to 9 p.m., will feature jingle dancing, singing and drumming, guest speakers, and a candlelight ceremony. Those wishing to attend the evening events are asked to register by donation through Tickets Please. Proceeds will support Ginawaydaganuc Village, an Indigenous-led initiative working to build a traditional Elders Teaching Lodge and an eco-sensitive educational and cultural centre in Mississippi Mills.

Mississippi Mills All My Relations and Ginawaydaganuc Village extend heartfelt thanks to the Mississippi Mills Public Library and Turtle Lodge Trading Post for their support in bringing this important event to the community.

Get more information or register for the event.