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Whitehorse community unites for Red Dress Day

Tuesday, 6 May 2025 10:55

By Panebi Wilson X @chonfmpwilson

Over 100 participants embarking on a walk by the Yukon River. (Panebi Wilson/CHON-FM news)

The Red Dress Day initiative, started by Métis artist Jaime Black, aims to raise awareness about MMIWG by displaying red dresses in public spaces. 

On Monday May 5th, the community gathered for the Walk in Support of Red Dress Day, a solemn event honoring the memories of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

The event began at 11:00 a.m. at the Department of Education building, where over 100 participants gathered before embarking on a walk through the city. The walk concluded at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre Fire Pit, where a Sacred Fire was lit, symbolizing the community's commitment to remembering and honoring the lives lost.

Organizers and participants alike emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the ongoing issue of MMIWG.
In an interview with CHON-FM, Natalie Taylor, Executive Director of the Whitehorse Aboriginal Women Circle, stressed that remembering and honoring the lives lost to MMIWG should be an ongoing effort, rather than a single-day event.

“This day is to honour the women that we lost and who are missing and murdered from our community and then to bring awareness to the fact that this is not just a one-day thing this is 365 days in the year, 24/7 that we as a community should be aware of and to be on the lookout for to really provide that support to families as they search for loved ones and look for justice,” Taylor said. 

Kirsten Maides, President of the Whitehorse Aboriginal Women Circle, emphasized that the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) has far-reaching consequences that affect everyone in the community.

Throughout the day, community members shared stories, prayers, and words of support for those affected by MMIWG. The event also featured traditional drumming, and cultural performances.

The Red Dress Day initiative, started by Métis artist Jaime Black, aims to raise awareness about MMIWG by displaying red dresses in public spaces. 

This event serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing need for action and support in addressing the issue of MMIWG. As one participant noted, "We must continue to stand together and demand justice for our sisters, mothers, daughters, and friends."
 

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