As the morning sun cast a solemn glow over Ottawa City Hall today, dozens gathered on the plaza where red dresses hung in silent testimony. The vibrant crimson garments swayed gently against the spring breeze – each empty dress representing an Indigenous woman or girl who has been murdered or gone missing across Canada.
“These dresses speak for those who no longer have a voice,” said Elder Claudette Commanda, who opened the ceremony with a traditional blessing. Her words carried across the hushed crowd as sacred smoke from burning medicines drifted upward.
Red Dress Day, observed annually on May 5th, has become a powerful national movement to honor the memory of Indigenous women and girls lost to violence. The red dress symbol originated with Métis artist Jaime Black’s installation project in 2010, and has since evolved into a nationwide day of remembrance and action.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe addressed those assembled, acknowledging the city stands on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. “This ceremony isn’t just about remembrance – it’s about commitment to change. As a city, we must do better to protect Indigenous women and girls.”
The crowd included families of the missing and murdered, community members, city officials, and allies. Many wore red in solidarity, while others brought photographs of loved ones lost to violence.
Bridget Tolley, co-founder of Families of Sisters in Spirit, shared her personal journey of advocacy following her mother’s death. “For twenty-three years, I’ve fought for justice not just for my mother, but for all our stolen sisters. The pain doesn’t fade, but our determination grows stronger.”
Statistics shared during the ceremony painted a devastating picture. According to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to experience violence than non-Indigenous women. The final report, released in 2019, concluded these deaths constitute a “genocide” driven by colonial violence.
“These aren’t just numbers,” emphasized Gabrielle Fayant, a local Indigenous youth advocate. “These are our mothers, daughters, aunties, and friends. Every red dress represents a person who was loved, who had dreams, who mattered.”
The ceremony featured traditional songs, drumming, and testimonials from family members. Many spoke of frustration with systemic barriers to justice and the ongoing trauma experienced by Indigenous communities.
Ottawa Police Services representative Deputy Chief Steve Bell acknowledged past failures in investigating cases involving Indigenous victims. “We recognize we have work to do to rebuild trust. We’re committed to improving our protocols and training officers to respond with cultural sensitivity and urgency.”
Community members placed tobacco ties near the red dresses during the ceremony – small bundles containing sacred tobacco offered in prayer. The custom symbolizes connection to Creator and carries prayers for healing and justice.
Several community organizations set up information tables around the plaza. The Native Women’s Association of Canada provided resources on their advocacy work, while local support services offered information on counseling and other assistance for affected families.
“We need more than just annual ceremonies,” said Irene Compton, who traveled from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation to attend. “We need concrete action – better police response, improved social services, and education to address the root causes of violence against our women.”
The ceremony concluded with a community feast inside City Hall, where conversations continued about practical steps toward reconciliation and justice.
As red dresses continue their silent vigil at locations across Ottawa this week, the message is clear: the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls demands not just remembrance, but sustained action toward meaningful change.
Those seeking support can contact the National Inquiry’s toll-free crisis line at 1-844-413-6649 or local Indigenous community services through the
