B.C. Marks 15th Red Dress Day with Marches, Vigils, and Calls for Justice

Across British Columbia on Monday, red dresses sway from trees and lamp posts, and thousands march, reflect, and hold ceremony to mark the 15th annual Red Dress Day, a national day of awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+).

The day was born from the REDress Project, a powerful art installation created by Métis artist Jaime Black. Since 2010, it has become a visual and collective movement—red dresses hanging in public spaces serve as a haunting reminder of the women and girls who should still be here.

According to Statistics Canada, Indigenous women are six times more likely to be murdered than non-Indigenous women in Canada. A 2023 report found that 63% of Indigenous women have experienced physical or sexual assault in their lifetime.

In 2019, the federal National Inquiry into MMIWG concluded that these persistent patterns of violence amount to genocide, issuing 231 Calls for Justice.

"Red Dress Day is a significant day," said Don Tom, Tsartlip First Nation chief and vice-president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC). "We must continue to bring awareness to ensure all Indigenous women are safe. We haven’t forgotten."

On Monday, UBCIC and the non-profit Justice for Girls will make a joint announcement alongside families of Tatyanna Harrison, Chelsea Poorman, and Noelle O’Soup — three young Indigenous women whose deaths in Metro Vancouver have raised serious questions about police handling.

Honouring Through Community Events
Events are being held in over 30 communities across B.C., from Victoria to Fort St. John, and include marches, art exhibits, candlelight vigils, and prayer ceremonies. Wearing red is encouraged as a show of solidarity.

In Vancouver, Archbishop J. Michael Miller will lead a memorial mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral at 5 p.m. The UBC Robson Square Sun Room will host an art exhibit titled Dancing with Our Ancestors from May 5–19, with an opening ceremony Monday evening.

Other major events include:

• Our Women are Sacred Walk in Victoria at 10 a.m.

• Red Dress Fashion Event in Prince Rupert at 3 p.m.

• 5K Awareness Walks in Clearwater, Tsawwassen, and Lillooet

• Community gatherings in Penticton, Hope, Kitimat, Saulteau First Nation, and more

For those unable to attend in person, red dress displays, virtual ceremonies, and social media campaigns offer ways to participate.

"Red Dress Day makes the invisible visible," said Amnesty International in a statement. "It is both a day of mourning and a call for justice."

A province-wide book of condolences is available for signing at Vancouver City Hall and the B.C. Legislature, or online through the provincial government website.

As thousands honour the women and girls lost, the message remains clear: remembrance must lead to reform — and justice must follow awareness.