05/05/2026
Today is Red Dress Day — the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People (MMIWG2S+).
Across the country, red dresses are hung in public spaces as a powerful symbol of the thousands of Indigenous lives that have been taken, and the many who are still missing. Each dress represents a person who should be here today.
This day is a time to remember, to grieve, and to reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonial violence, systemic inequities, and the urgent need for justice and accountability.
In Waterloo Region, we recognize that this is not a distant issue. Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people continue to face disproportionate risks of violence, homelessness, and barriers to care. Many still go missing.
At Porchlight, we are committed to listening, learning, and working toward services that are safer, more accessible, and more responsive to Indigenous community members. We know this work is ongoing, and it matters.
We invite our community to take time today to learn, to honour those who are missing and murdered, and to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities.
