Today the Cowichan Valley School District recognizes the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), also referred to as ‘Red Dress Day’.
This is a day of important recognition, and a continued realization, of the systemic racism still present in our country and communities how that affects Indigenous peoples across Canada, specifically Indigenous women and girls and two-spirit people.
Part of the work of this day is learning the truth. The 2019 report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls states that “Indigenous women are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing than other women in Canada, and 16 times more likely to be killed or disappear than white women.” This heavy truth, along with many others in the report, paints a picture of a system that needs change.
Learning the truth, and acting is part of what days like this are meant for. Take some time today to look at trusted and verified sources for information on this topic.
Light reading: https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/key-takeaways-from-the-final-mmiwg-report-1.4450095?cache=.
Heavy lifting: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/publication/executive-summary-english/
Once you are familiar with the truth, you can take more meaningful action. Hang a dress, join a march, or find other ways to show your support of Indigenous communities around Canada.