Red Dress Day: Honouring the Lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People
Date: Early October
Location: Across Queen’s Campus
October 4 marks the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+). It is a day to honour those whose lives have been taken by gender-based and colonial-induced violence, to stand with their families and communities, and to call for real action to ensure safety, justice, and healing.
Despite being a smaller portion of the population, Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people experience violence at disproportionately high rates. Indigenous girls under 18 are also far more likely to be reported missing. This is not coincidence—it is a direct outcome of colonization, systemic racism, and the ongoing impacts of policies designed to erase Indigenous peoples and cultures.
To bring visibility to this ongoing crisis, red dresses will be displayed across Queen’s campus early October. The installation is inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project, which began as an art installation featuring empty red dresses hung in public spaces. Each dress symbolizes the absence of an Indigenous woman, girl, or 2SLGBTQI+ person who should still be with us today. This installation is supported by/connected with Indigenous students and community members here at Queen’s.
This project is not only about raising awareness but also about sparking action. Allyship means learning about the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S+, listening to the voices of Indigenous communities, and working to create safe, supportive environments for Indigenous peoples everywhere—including here at Queen’s.
At the institutional level, this means holding Queen’s accountable to its own commitments. It requires sustained investment in Indigenous student support services.
Expanding culturally safe spaces on campus.
Ensuring policies address the unique safety concerns of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.
This installation asks the Queen’s community, students, staff, faculty, and leadership, not only to pause and reflect but also to act collectively. That includes supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, integrating Indigenous perspectives across teaching and research, and advocating for systemic change both on campus and beyond.
How you can support:
- Pause and reflect when you see the red dresses across campus. Think about who is missing and the families who continue to search for justice.
- Understand How Colonization Drives Violence: Recognize that the crisis of MMIWG2S+ stems from colonial systems—like residential schools, the Indian Act, and systemic racism—that continue to create inequities and put Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people at risk. Learn more here.
- Wear red on October 4 to stand in solidarity.
- Learn more about the ongoing crisis through the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S+ and its Calls for Justice.
- Take action by advocating for safer spaces, amplifying Indigenous voices, and challenging violence in all its forms.
Additional resources to learn more and take action:
For any questions, concerns, or media inquiries, please contact the Communications Office, at . We’re here to help.