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.
At the OFL 2023 Convention, delegates voted on its Action Plan which called for the OFL and its affiliates to lobby the provincial and federal governments to establish an alert system–the “Red Dress Alert”–for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people. As we mark Red Dress Day – we encourage you to take action by writing to elected officials and demand that they enact the Red Dress Alert System.
We are calling on Premier Doug Ford, and elected MPPs to support MP Leah Gazan’s request 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 Ontario MPPs and Premier Doug Frod 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 elected memb ers asking them to push for the 17 recommendations for Implementing a Red Dress Alert in Canada as outlined in the Report of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women.
Report of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women on Implementing A Red Dress Alert System in Canada - Hang a 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, read a book or a report.
https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Final_Report_Vol_1a-1.pdf