Researchers have reported that Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or missing than other women in Canada. Indigenous women are sexually assaulted three times more often than non-Indigenous women, and most of the women and children trafficked in Canada are Indigenous.
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls highlighted the systemic causes of the crisis, including colonization, racism, and sexism. The report called for a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained response to the crisis and the implementation of the 231 recommendations put forth by the inquiry.
Support MP Leah Gazan’s request to Public Safety Minister MP Dominic LeBlanc to implement a “Red Dress Alert” to notify the public when an Indigenous woman, girl, or Two-Spirit person goes missing.
The response times to reports of a missing Indigenous woman, girl or Two-Spirit persons are far too slow and a Red Dress Alert – like an Amber Alert – would make a difference. This is a tangible step for the federal government to take to end the ongoing genocide of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people.
Tell Dominic LeBlanc and your MP that you support the creation of a Red Dress Alert.
Other ways you can show your support on May 5th:
- Wear a red dress or shirt.
- Post to social media and using the hashtags #RedDressDay, #NoMoreStolenSisters, and #MMIWG2S.
- Send a letter to your MP asking them to support setting up a “Red Dress Alert”.
- Hang a red dress in your window, outside your door or establishment.
- Safely attend an event, prayer circle or candlelight vigil hosted in your community, if any are taking place.
- Watch a documentary or read a book or the National Inquiry’s final report.