An ongoing, nation-wide crisis recently had many people throughout Meadow Lake, the surrounding area and across the province seeing red. Red Dress Day – a day to raise awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit+ people in Canada – was officially observed Sunday (May 5), however a series of events to mark the occasion took place locally Monday (May 6) beginning with a walk from the Soak City Car Wash to the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) building on Flying Dust First Nation.
“Red Dress Day is an opportunity for us to honour those who are dearly missed by remembering their names, talking about their lives, and holding space for the people who love them,” provincial minister responsible for the Status of Women office Laura Ross said. “This is also a day to raise awareness of gender-based violence. Prevention is key in ending inter-personal violence in our province, and our hope is to keep these discussions going.” The provincial government recently announced $42.6 million over the next three years to more than 34 community-based organizations that deliver critical supports and services to individuals and families impacted by inter-personal violence and abuse.
“On this poignant day, we stand with the families of the missing and remember their loved daughters, mothers and sisters,” justice minister and attorney general Bronwyn Eyre said. “Last year, the Government of Saskatchewan helped more than 1,000 women and 1,100 children escape violence and provided supports to help rebuild their lives. That preventative work goes on every day.”
The 2024-25 budget also underscores ongoing commitments to support First Nation and Métis communities, with $800,000 for the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls+ (MMIWG+) community response fund. The fund, with half of the money provided by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), supports grassroots organizations and communities to develop and deliver projects that help prevent violence and build safety for Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit+ people. “As we mark Red Dress Day, we stand in support of the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit+ people and their communities,” minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Don McMorris said. “The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to addressing the issues raised in the final report of the national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and Girls. Last year, the MMIWG+ Community Response Fund provided support to 23 projects, and I know that this year we will continue to support projects doing this important work.”
Meanwhile, back in the Meadow Lake area, Monday’s walk was followed by speakers on behalf of MMIWG+2S, honouring drum songs and a barbecue lunch. The event was organized by Roots of Hope, the Waskoosis Safe Shelter, Flying Dust First Nation, MLTC and the North West Friendship Centre. Several schools also participated in Red Dress Day activities Monday, including Gateway Middle School in Meadow Lake where students created works of art designed to celebrate Red Dress Day.
“Gateway students have been working on lessons revolving around this initiative,” reads a recent social media post made by Gateway Middle School. “With big thanks to Mrs. (Pam) Lumley and the Grade 7 teachers, everyone was able to come together and create these visuals for people to see as the travel by our school… Get involved and ask your child what they have learned today about the significance of this day.” Another group to stand in solidarity when it comes to MMIWG+2S is the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan. “It is one day set aside to honour those we have lost—but represents a devastating reality our families and communities face every day of the year,” reads a statement from the MN-S. “While Métis-specific data has not been included in previous reports, MN–S is actively working to make this a reality and continues to seek justice for our Métis women, girls, and two-spirit individuals.”