On National Red Dress Day, May 5, Prince Albert Grand Council held a National Red Dress Day event at their Cultural Centre in Prince Albert.

The all day event was held indoors this year and the event started at 9 am with a opening prayer, followed by hourly presentations from a variety resources and families who have experienced the loss of their murdered or missing loved ones.

“Every year the agency hosts an annual Red Dress Day event to honour and bring awareness to this growing epidemic that we hold in First Nations communities,” said Penny Constant, PAGC’s Associate Director of Health.

Red dress day originally started in on May 5, 2010, and annual events have followed since the induction of this National day of awareness and rememberance.

“The issue is continuing to grow and not much has been done with the National Report that was shelved and not many changes have happened and the next best thing is to provide information and resources,” explain Constant. “There’s over 200 recommendations for only 2 have been addressed and there’s a lot of work to be done.”

 

If your wondering how you can support MMIWG2S+ and help bring awareness? You can wear red on May 5; learn about MMIWG2S; and take part in local community events are some ways you too can honour and raise awareness on this day.

 

If you or someone you know are experiencing signs of distress, a list of resources listed below to, don’t hesitate to reach out for help:

Caring Hearts Saskatchewan 306-523-2780
Indigenous-centered Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
Crisis Services Canada 9–8–8
National Family and Survivors Circle number 1-844-413-6649

Another new option is the “Talking Stick App” which can be used on the website and/or downloaded onto Apple or Android devices.