Red Dress Day - May 5, 2025
Event Overview
The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition invited all community members to our annual Red Dress Day Gathering. This event honoured the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and brings the community together in remembrance and advocacy. The gathering featured educational displays, art installations, commemorative activities, and creative projects to foster healing and unity.
Logistics
Date: May 5, 2025
Location: Jean Pigott Place, City Hall
110 Laurier Ave West, Ottawa ON
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Program: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Admission: FREE
Stay tuned for details about next year’s event
Event Poster & Official Program
The official program (12:00pm–1:30pm) began with a Call to Come Together by the Ottawa River Singers and an opening prayer from OAC Elders. From there, welcome remarks were provided and took time to recognize the important healing work happening in our community, especially around the Inuit VAW Shelter and Family Healing Lodge initiatives. The program included cultural performances, a Jingle Dress ceremony, and the honouring of Karen Green with a scholarship announcement and blanket ceremony. The event closed with an Honour Song from the Hand Drumming Group.
Program Highlights
Elders
The OAC is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with several Elders from the Ottawa community. During Red Dress Day, three Elders graciously offered opening and closing prayers for the event.
Wellness Resources:
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There is a national, toll-free 24/7 crisis call line providing mental health support for anyone who requires emotional assistance related to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. For assistance, call 1-844-413-6649.
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First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
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Talk4Healing: 1-855-554-4325
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Overview of Indigenous Organizations in Ottawa:
https://www.ottawaaboriginalcoalition.ca/indigenous-ottawa-organizations