Red Dress Day gathering in Bay of Quinte calls for justice and awareness

Red Dress Day raises awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Members of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte gathered on Monday to mark Red Dress Day, raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Observed each year on May 5, this day was created to bring attention to the ongoing tragedy, including cases where women were harmed, killed, or never found. Red dresses displayed symbolized both remembrance and frustration over the lack of justice.

Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Chief R. Donald Maracle said the day was created to bring national attention to what he called a “horrific tragedy” affecting families and communities.

Maracle said the red dress has come to symbolize anger and frustration over a lack of action and accountability in some cases, especially when families report loved ones missing.

He noted that while fewer cases are known within his own community, broader issues like poverty and lack of affordable housing can increase risks for Indigenous women.

Maracle added that gatherings like Red Dress Day events help honour victims and support grieving families, while also pushing for continued searches and justice.

Red Dress Day serves as a reminder that hundreds of cases across Canada remain unresolved, and that continued action is needed to seek justice.

Story by Emily Chatwood