Dozens of Manitobans gathered at The Forks on May 5, 2026, for a solemn ceremony marking Red Dress Day. The event, which took place in the heart of Winnipeg, aimed to honor missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. Participants marched together, holding red dresses and signs, to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous communities.
The ceremony included speeches from community leaders, elders, and family members of victims, who called for justice and systemic change. Attendees observed a moment of silence to remember those who have been lost and to show solidarity with their families. The red dresses, hung on display, served as a powerful visual reminder of the lives affected.
Red Dress Day, observed annually on May 5, was inspired by the REDress Project, an art installation by Métis artist Jaime Black. The project uses empty red dresses to symbolize the absence of missing and murdered Indigenous women. This year's event in Winnipeg was one of many held across Canada, drawing attention to the need for continued advocacy and action.
Organizers emphasized the importance of community support and called on governments to implement the calls to justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The march concluded with a gathering at the Oodena Circle, where participants shared stories and reflected on the day's significance.
