Red Dress Day, officially recognized each year on May 5, is a National Day of Awareness and Action. It raises awareness of the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people and calls on all Canadians to stand up for justice and safety in every community.
In the weeks leading up to Red Dress Day, students and staff at St. Charles College with the guidance of the school’s Indigenous Support Worker, Lina Dokis Gagnon, and Indigenous Graduation Coach, Shannon Agowissa, have been engaging in learning, reflection, and meaningful action to honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited people (MMIWG2S+). This included:
Red Dress Day Information Sessions
Throughout the school, students in Grades 9 through 12 participated in information sessions focused on breaking the silence around MMIWG2S+. These sessions opened up powerful conversations about injustice, systemic violence, and the need for advocacy and allyship. Students also had the opportunity to discuss and explore the significance of the REDress Project—an art installation started in 2010 by Métis artist Jaime Black—and what it means to take action as a school community.
Grade 10 Student, Hannah O’Bonsawin shared:
“We don’t just have to be one voice—we can be many.”
Red Dress Day Pins
Beading activities took place in English classes, giving students from Grades 9–12 the opportunity to create beaded pins that they proudly wore on Red Dress Day. The beading process sparked thoughtful dialogue about the lived experiences of Indigenous women, families’ ongoing fight for justice, and how students can be allies both in school and beyond.
Red Dress Day Display
Grade 10 students joined Indigenous Support Worker, Lina Dokis Gagnon in creating a powerful Red Dress Day display in the front foyer of the school. The installation featured red dresses, the Sacred Medicines, and a handmade mask co-crafted by Lina and a Grade 7 student. The mask, bearing the image of a red hand over the mouth, is a poignant symbol of the movement to honour and amplify the silenced voices of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). It serves as a reminder of all the sisters whose voices were never heard. #NoMoreStolenSisters
As we reflect on the significance of Red Dress Day, Lina shares what the red dress represents:
“Each dress symbolizes an Indigenous woman who has been missing or murdered, but we are standing together—reclaiming space for our Sisters.”
Through education, art, and collective action, St. Charles College is fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous issues and stands united in the call for justice, safety, and respect for all. To learn more about Red Dress Day and how you can support this important movement, visit the following resources:
Amnesty International – Red Dress Day
