College hosts gathering to honour missing, murdered Indigenous women

By BRENDAN MILLER on May 6, 2025.

bmiller@medicinehatnews.com

More than one-hundred residents gathered at Medicine Hat College on Monday evening to participate in a public gathering, prayer and awareness walk on the National Day of Awareness for Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People.

Also known as Red Dress Day, each year on May 5 during the national day of remembrance and activism, red dresses are draped in trees, hung from windows and pinned to jackets, or even worn as earnings. Additionally supporters often paint a red hand across their face to honour loved ones who have passed.

“I don’t think there’s any comparison to the pain that you would have when you lose a child, and you can’t find that child,” said Elder Charlie Fox during a keynote address. “I can’t imagine that. You know today, our young people … you know they are experiencing a lot tougher times than we did during my time.”

Fox provided a prayer for those facing difficult times and the vulnerable population before participants gathered for a kilometre walk of awareness around campus, many wearing red and holding signs.

The ceremony also included speeches from Dr. Nancy Brown, vice-president of academic and provost, Insp. Joe West and Charlene Bearhead, vice-president of learning and reconciliation at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

Brown said Monday’s ceremony aims to raise awareness and understanding around violence against women, girls and two-spirited individuals.

“Our hope is that everyone walks away today with a better understanding of why this day is significant to those around us, our community and our country,” said Brown. “It is crucial to have our community partners with us here to support those who have been impacted and provide a safe space for those who wish to learn more.”

Red Dress Day began 15 years ago with the REDress art installation by Métis artist Jamie Black and has evolved into a national day of remembrance that amplifies the voices of Indigenous families, survivors and advocates.

“This day serves as a solemn reminder and is a collective call to action,” said Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations. “I encourage everyone in Alberta to reflect on the shared responsibility we have to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people.”

The ceremony was presented in partnership with the Miywasin Friendship Centre, Firekeepers Women’s Society and other community partners.

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