National Day for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People 2026

May 5 marks the National Day for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People.  

In September 2016, the Government of Canada launched an entirely independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). 

The MMIWG National Inquiry, which released its final report in June 2019, concluded that persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses are the root cause behind Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual) people.  

The two-volume report called for transformative legal and social changes to resolve the crisis that has devastated Indigenous communities across the country.

This day serves as a solemn reminder of the issues of violence and injustice faced by Indigenous communities across Turtle Island.  

It's important to reflect on the lives lost and the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. This day is not only about remembrance but also acknowledging the systemic issues that contribute to this crisis and committing ourselves to action towards truth and reconciliation.

May 5 is also known as Red Dress Day, which honours the memories of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people across Canada.

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Métis artist Jaime Black helped inspire the movement, where red dresses are hung to represent the pain and loss felt by loved ones and survivors. What began as a simple campaign in her area, has grown into a national movement to create action toward change by raising awareness across Canada around the large numbers of Indigenous and racialized women who experience gender-based violence and abuse.  

On May 5, we remember and honour all Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people who were taken, the survivors of violence and families and community members whose lives have been forever changed.  

It's important to acknowledge that this day may evoke challenging emotions for our Indigenous students and colleagues. Understandably, they may find it difficult to engage in discussions about these profound and painful issues. It's essential that we respect their feelings and provide a supportive environment where they feel heard and understood.  

If you are seeking support on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, please call the independent, national, toll-free support line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1-844-413-6649.  

• Red Dress Displays (May 4 – 8): The Institute of Indigenous Learning will be setting up Red Dress Day installations across our campuses, including the Aviation Centre, Downtown Campus, London Campus (Kalihwíy̲o̲ Circle), as well as the St. Thomas/Elgin and Woodstock/Oxford regional campuses. Each display will feature a red dress along with information about MMIWG, helping to raise awareness and encourage reflection across the College community.
• Kalihwíy̲o̲ Circle Info Area / Display: An interactive display will be set up in the Kalihwíy̲o̲ Circle with prompts designed to encourage student engagement, reflection and learning. This space will invite students to pause, reflect and consider their role in awareness and reconciliation.
• Movie Screening – Highway of Tears (May 5, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Canada Life Village Square): The screening (no registration required) will begin with a welcome, including a brief explanation and context-setting. Following the film, attendees will have an opportunity to reflect and share thoughts with one another in a supportive environment.