National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+ – May 5th

According to the RCMP, there are nearly 1,200 missing and murdered Indigenous woman and girls in Canada, although it’s believed the number is likely much higher. Our hearts are with these many families.

“[The National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+] was started over 11 years ago by Metis artist Jaime Black, who created a public display of red dresses to raise awareness.

It quickly became a tradition to wear red on this day to continue bringing awareness to this important issue that continues to devastate Indigenous families and communities and touches all Canadians.

This year Ka Ni Kanichihk Medicine Bear Program staff offered food and ribbons that families could pick up as the community came together to remember, grieve, and hope.  There was also a sacred fire going for anyone who wanted to send a prayer.

Medicine Bear Counselling, Support and Elder Services program helps families of murdered and missing women heal from complicated grief and trauma within a culturally safe and supportive environment. To find out more, visit: https://www.kanikanichihk.ca/medicine-bear/

More information and resources can be found at:

• Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Final Report | MMIWG (mmiwg-ffada.ca)
• Moose Hide Campaign: Standing up Against Violence at Moose Hide Campaign | Home
• The Red Dress Project The REDress Project – Jaime Black (jaimeblackartist.com)

Ka Ni Kanichihk staff, both on and off-site, took time to honour our missing and murdered relatives.