May 5 is Red Dress Day

ONWA
May 1
2 min read

May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWG2S), also known as "Red Dress Day."

Click to learn more about MMIWG

In recognition of this day, ONWA and ONWA Membership are holding events across Ontario. Event information below!

Aroland, ON

Where: OW Training Centre, Aroland

When: 2:00 PM, Monday, May 5

Where your ribbon skirts. We will walk around the community. Light refreshments provided.

Barrie, ON

Where: Meridian Place, 30 Simcoe Street, Barrie

When: 6:00 AM (Sunrise Ceremony), Monday, May 5

Come join Barrie Native Friendship Centre and partner organizations down at the Meridian Place to raise awareness of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls and speak on the Moose Hide Campaign.

Grassy Narrows, ON

Where: Complex, Grassy Narrows

When: 5:00 - 9:00 PM (Sunrise Ceremony), Monday, May 5

Sewing red skirts or anything else you want to sew. Food and drinks. Everyone welcome.

Hamilton, ON

Where: 21 Rosedene Ave, Hamilton

When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Monday, May 5

Please join us to honour MMIWG2S through ceremony. Light refreshments and snacks provided.

Kenora, ON

Where: 1301 Railway St (1301 Railway St, Kenora

When: 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Monday, May 5

Please join us for our Round Dance Memorial & Awareness Event in honour of Red Dress Day with KSAC, Treaty 3 police, Ne-Chee Friendship Center, Metis Nation of Ontario, KCA and NWOMCFS. Soup and Bannock will be provided. Come show off your moves for a chance to win some prizes! Vendors and social services will be on site to provide information and merchandise. All welcome, no registration required!

Midland, ON

Where: Little Lake Park, Midland

When: 12:00 PM, Monday, May 5

Stories of survival, identity, and hope. With guest speakers Joyce-Lyne Carver, Ashley King, and Rheann Ackabee.

Niagara, ON

Where: 1088 Garrison Rd, Fort Erie

When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Thursday, May 8

Day will include:

Smudging Station
Red Dress Display
MMIW Awareness Dolls
Indigenous Songs by Nicole Joy-Fraser
Safety Segment by Elaine Berwald

Lunch will be provided at this event. Please register at kitsune@ncnw.ca OR by phone 905-871-8770

Orillia, ON

Where: John Snake Memorial Grounds, Orillia

When: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Monday, May 5

Ottawa, ON

Where: Jean Pigott Place, City Hall (110 Laurier Ave West), Ottawa

When: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday, May 5

On May 5, 2025, the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition (OAC) invites all community members to come together and recognize Red Dress Day. This event honours the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and brings the community together in remembrance and advocacy. The gathering will feature educational displays, art installations, commemorative activities, and creative projects to foster healing and unity.