Red Dress Day 2025: Honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People

The City of Saint John invites residents to join us in recognizing Red Dress Day (May 5, 2025), a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S).  This year commemorates the 15th anniversary of this important observance. It serves as a powerful reminder to all Canadians to acknowledge and address the ongoing violence faced by many Indigenous community members, and to honour those who never made it home.

Red Dress Display at Saint John City Market

A poignant Red Dress Display will be featured at the Saint John City Market. This powerful symbol honours the women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who have been tragically taken too soon. The red dress serves as both a visible reminder of the ongoing crisis and a compelling call to action for justice, accountability, and meaningful change.

MMIWG2S Awareness Gathering

The public is invited to attend an awareness gathering for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People, hosted by BCG Greater Saint John, in partnership with the City of Saint John. The event will be led by Natasha Ward and feature drummer, Connor McFarlane.

Natasha Ward is a proud member of the Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation and an Educator at the BGC of Greater Saint John. A dedicated advocate for the wellbeing and success of all children, Natasha is especially committed to supporting Indigenous women and girls in their journeys of strength, voice, and belonging. Her work is deeply shaped by the principles of Truth and Reconciliation and the urgent call to action surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), which form a meaningful part of her lived experience and purpose.

Healing smudge will be available.

Event Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 (Please note: This event will be held the day after the national day of observance)
Event Time: 12:00 pm (noon) - 1:00 pm (doors open 20 minutes prior to event)
Event Location: BGC Greater Saint Main Club located at 1 Paul Harris Street

We ask that you R.S.V.P at the following link by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 1: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=H7Kjrpu7IEKq2L5IU76qQe-ZareeE-hPpooJsVPT_kFUNE00WU8yNldXVDlIS1hDR0pURE5FNzBPTCQlQCN0PWcu

Seating is limited and registrations will be confirmed on a first come, first served basis.  

Other Ways You Can Participate

Wear Red: Show your support by wearing red on May 5th and encouraging others to do the same.

Learn and Reflect: Explore the history and ongoing impact of MMIWG2S and consider ways to advocate for change. To learn more about the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, visit: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/