sunday marked red dress day In Canada, raising awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people in the country.
University of Saskatchewan Vice-Provost of Indigenous Engagement Angela Jaime said it’s a day of observance and education.
“Red is the color that spirits can see, so we’re hoping that people who are missing and murdered will see it and know that they’re coming back, it’s safe for them,” he said. “
Jaime called the issue an “epidemic.”
“They have been murdered without thought and we are hoping this will draw attention to stop it.”
Jaime said an Indigenous woman is 19 times more likely to be missing or murdered in Saskatchewan than anywhere else.
Laura Ross, the minister responsible for the Status of Women Office, said this is a day to talk about gender-based violence.
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“Prevention is key to ending interpersonal violence in our province, and our hope is that these discussions will continue,” he said.
Don McMorris, Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs, said last year, the MMIWG Community Response Fund supported 23 projects.
“The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to addressing the issues raised in the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls,” she said.
Lori Whiteman, who helped craft the response fund criteria, said her mother is a missing woman.
“I am the first mother in my family who is raising her children on her own,” she said.
He said many of today’s issues, including MMIWG, are a direct result of colonization.
“There’s still a view that lives are being devalued because they’re considered worthless,” Whiteman said. “There’s still that pain that shows up in people abusing drugs or alcohol.”
He said having a day like Red Dress Day means negotiations between Indigenous people and the RCMP are moving in the right direction.
Whiteman said, “It gives meaning to resiliency… We endured a lot, but we also maintained a lot.”
A support line is available for those affected by missing and murdered indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. For immediate emotional support, call 1-844-413-6649.
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