About the Event
May 5 marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+), also known as Red Dress Day. At JIBC, this day is grounded in a shared call to Honour. Learn. Act.
Staff, faculty and students are invited to participate in the following activities on Tuesday, May 5 at New Westminster campus:
- 10:00 a.m. – Opening Ceremonywith Elder Buckshot (Atrium)
- 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. – Red Dress Pin Beading Circle (Atrium)
- 3:30 p.m. – Closing Sharing Circle (outside the Aboriginal Gathering Place)
Your participation is encouraged as part of our collective responsibility to foster awareness, reflection, and informed action.
Why this day matters
The Justice Institute of British Columbia remains committed to advancing Truth and Reconciliation and to strengthening culturally informed approaches to justice and public safety. This day provides an important opportunity to recognize and reflect on the ongoing and disproportionate rates of violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people in Canada.
It also calls on institutions and individuals to consider their roles and responsibilities in advancing justice, safety, and meaningful, sustained change. National data continues to show that more than 60 per cent of Indigenous women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
Learn more
In the lead-up to May 5, a series of informational posters have been installed across campus to support awareness and deepen understanding of MMIWG2S+, including the significance of Red Dress Day and the broader context of this issue. Grounded in the call to Honour. Learn. Act., staff are encouraged to take time to engage with these displays as part of our shared responsibility for learning, reflection, and meaningful action.
REDress installations will also be on display above the Atrium throughout the week as a visual reminder of the lives lost and the ongoing impacts of this violence.
Honour. Learn. Act.