Indigenous groups, leaders, and nations in British Columbia are coming together annually on Red Dress Day to demand justice and accountability for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ individuals. The Union of BC Indian Chiefs and the First Nations Leadership Council have stated that Indigenous women represent a significant proportion of femicide victims and missing women in Canada, and are six times more likely to be murdered than non-Indigenous counterparts. BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee emphasized the need for Canada to address these issues and implement the 231 Calls for Justice, as well as establish an Indigenous and Human Rights oversight body to respond to this crisis.
Red Dress Day was inspired by Métis artist Jamie Black’s installation project, where red dresses were displayed in public spaces to raise awareness of the number of Indigenous women who have been killed or are missing. Various events and walks are taking place throughout the province to honor the day, including a walk and film screening in Penticton and a walk and ceremony in Pitt Meadows. The Union of BC Indian Chiefs women’s representative, Melissa Moses, highlighted the ongoing efforts of families, loved ones, First Nations, and advocates to end the crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit+ people.
In Kamloops, a Red Dress Fashion Festival is being held, where models are showcasing uniquely designed red dresses on the runway. The event organizer, Kim Coltman, who is a former model and survivor herself, has created the festival to honor Red Dress Day and raise awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Coltman was inspired by the red dress movement and founded Fashion Speaks International in 2015 to bring attention to this important issue. She believes that fashion can be a powerful tool for empowerment and advocacy, and the designers participating in the festival have been personally touched by the issue of violence against Indigenous women.
The fashion showcased at the Red Dress Fashion Festival in Kamloops tells deeply moving stories that highlight the experiences of Indigenous women. Coltman, whose mother was a residential school survivor, understands firsthand the challenges that Indigenous women face in society. She has personal experience with abduction and assault and has used her career in fashion to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls. The festival in Kamloops is just one example of the various events and initiatives taking place across British Columbia on Red Dress Day to remember and honor those who have been affected by this tragedy.
The Red Dress Day events across British Columbia serve as a reminder of the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ individuals. Indigenous leaders are calling for justice, accountability, and action from the government to address the systemic injustices and vulnerabilities faced by First Nations communities. The red dress movement, inspired by the work of Métis artist Jamie Black, has brought attention to this important issue and sparked a national day of awareness. Through events like the Red Dress Fashion Festival in Kamloops, advocates like Kim Coltman are using fashion as a platform to empower Indigenous women and bring attention to the need for change in Canada.
