Red Dress Day Walking Vigil in Aurora to Honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People

The Town of Aurora invites the community to participate in a Red Dress Day Walking Vigil in recognition of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+).

Red Dress Day is observed annually across Canada on May 5 to honour the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who are missing or have been murdered. This day formally recognizes the families and communities forever impacted by this ongoing tragedy. The empty red dress, first introduced by Métis artist Jaime Black, symbolizes loss, remembrance, and the need for change.

“Red Dress Day calls on all of us to pause, reflect, and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities,” said Phil Rose, Manager of Cultural Services. “This walking vigil gives our community the opportunity to come together to honour those who are missing and murdered, and to reaffirm our shared support of these important recognition initiatives.”

The walking vigil in Aurora will be held on Tuesday, May 5 at 6:30 p.m. Participants will begin with a gathering at Aurora Town Square, followed by a reflective, guided walk to Aurora Town Park. The event will conclude with a closing ceremony at the park, led by Grandmother Kim Wheatley, and will include remarks from Sharon Rigby, a sacred fire tended by Firekeeper Raiden Levesque, and songs by the Cedar Singers. We encourage community members to wear red in honour of MMIWG2S+.

Why Red Dress Day Matters

Red Dress Day raises awareness of the unacceptable levels of violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people in Canada. Communities observe this day to honour lives lost, support survivors and families, and reaffirm a commitment to the Calls for Justice outlined in the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S+. By walking together, participants acknowledge the past and present realities faced by Indigenous communities while standing in solidarity for justice, healing, and systemic change.

For more information on the Red Dress Day Walking Vigil in Aurora, please visit aurora.ca/RedDressDay.