About the Event
May 5 marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA People (MMIWG2S+)—a day more widely known as Red Dress Day.
First observed in 2010, Red Dress Day honours the lives of Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people who have been lost to violence at disproportionately high rates. It is also a day to reflect on the roles we play—both individually and collectively—in advancing justice, safety, and healing for Indigenous communities.
The meaning behind red dress installations
The symbol of the red dress comes from the REDress Project by Métis artist Jaime Black, who created powerful installations of empty red dresses to represent those who are missing or murdered. Today, red dresses are a nationally recognized symbol of both remembrance and resistance.
At JIBC, we are committed to Truth, Reconciliation, and inclusive justice. To recognize Red Dress Day, the Office of Indigenization, in partnership with the Justice & Public Safety Division, JIBC Students Union, and Student Services, invites you to join us for a week of educational and reflective activities beginning Monday, May 5.
Schedule of Activities
All staff, faculty and students welcome.
Monday May 5, 2025
- 9 a.m. – Opening Ceremony in the Atrium.
- 12-1 p.m. – Visit our information kiosk in the Atrium to ask questions and learn more.
- 3 p.m. – Volunteers to bring the REDresses inside. Meet in the Atrium.
Daily from Tuesday, May 6 to Thursday, May 8, 2025 in the Atrium
- 10-10:15 a.m – Students to meet in Atrium to place REDresses in outdoor spaces around campus.
- 12-1 p.m. – Beading Circle: learn to make a beaded REDress and visit our information kiosk to ask questions and learn more.
- 3 p.m. – Volunteer to bring the REDresses inside. Meet in the Atrium.
Thursday May 8, 2025
- 2 p.m. – Closing Circle in the Gathering Place for those who would like to connect in ceremony and share their experiences during the week of awareness for MMIWG2S+.
Your participation is a meaningful step toward Reconciliation and justice. Wear Red throughout the week to show your support. By standing together, we honour lives lost and take steps toward creating safer, more just communities for all.
In solidarity,
Office of Indigenization, Justice & Public Safety Division, JIBC Students’ Union, and Student Services