Friday, May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People
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May 5th is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). Also known as Red Dress Day, this solemn day is observed to honour and remember missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people, and to encourage one another to take action for change.
The OCDSB acknowledges the many families affected by the loss of their daughters, sisters, mothers, aunties, grandmothers and two-spirit family and friends. The OCDSB reinforces its commitment to implement the Calls for Justice and engage in education and awareness that will help keep First Nations, Métis and Inuit children safe. All Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people have the right to be safe and to feel safe, no matter where they are. Please join us today in learning, remembering, and taking action.
The following resources have been compiled by the OCDSB Indigenous Education Team, to share information and offer support in learning, reflection, and action. Please note these are not intended to be used as classroom resources.
We understand that the information in these resources may be triggering for some, and that some students, staff and families may wish to have additional support today. If you are affected, are in distress, and require immediate emotional assistance you can call the National 24/7 MMIWG crisis line at 1-844-413-6649.
You can also reach out to MMIWG Health Support Services. If you have questions about how to access counseling services, please contact Health Benefits’ toll free number at 1-877-477-0775. The team is available from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.
Learning Resources (not for students)
The artwork in this article was created by Juliana A. Strickland, a 17 year old Mohawk (First Nations) artist with roots in Tyendinaga. See more of Juliana’s art below, and on Instagram at @jastrickland.art.