Today is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People or Red Dress Day.

The day honours and brings awareness to the thousands of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people who have been subject to disproportionate violence in Canada.

As part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s commemoration of the event, the Heart Spirits Project by Saskatchewan artist Cheryl Ring was launched.

The project contains 200 handmade clay hearts, each honouring an Indigenous person who is missing or murdered. The art exhibit will be open to the public at the Legislative Building Cumberland Gallery throughout May.

Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Laura Ross said May 5 is an important day to remember Indigenous women impacted by gender-based violence, to know their names, stories and honour their lives.

“The Heart Spirits exhibit at the legislature will create a space for education and help extend the discussion on ending gender-based violence beyond Red Dress Day so that other families don’t have to endure such an unimaginable loss.”

In connection with the day, The Government of Saskatchewan also announced that First Nation and Métis communities and organizations could apply for funding available through the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ Community Response Fund.

This fund will provide $400,000 for eligible projects led by First Nation and Métis communities, organizations and institutions partnering with Indigenous entities to promote and enhance prevention and build safety for Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit+ people, their families and communities.

Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis, and Northern Affairs Don McMorris said as they observe Red Dress Day, we must acknowledge and honour the lives lost and those who continue to be impacted by the ongoing violence.

“The development of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ Community Response Fund has been guided by the voices and experiences of Indigenous women. Through this fund, we aim to provide support to Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit+ people across the province. Last year, twelve community-led projects received support through this fund.”

This initiative provides $400,000 for eligible projects led by First Nation and Métis communities, organizations and institutions partnering with Indigenous entities to promote and enhance prevention and build safety for Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit+ people, their families and communities.

Saskatchewan joined with the other Provinces to act on recommendations from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls since it was released in June 2019. A progress report is tabled each year.

“Red Dress Day is dedicated to honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, supporting their families, and ensuring that, in Saskatchewan, they can live without violence or discrimination,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre said.

Red Dress Day grew from the REDress Project, created by Métis artist Jaime Black in 2010.