What is the Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls?

The Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), also known as Red Dress Day, is held each year on May 5 in the United States and Canada to draw attention to the disproportionately high number of Indigenous women and girls who go missing or become victims of violence.

This day is especially important in North America, where Indigenous communities have long been confronting gender-based violence and systemic injustice. In both Canada and the United States, Indigenous women face a significantly higher risk than non-Indigenous women. Many cases remain unsolved, and institutions often respond slowly or not at all.

Awareness is growing outside North America as well. In other countries, more and more people show their support. On May 5, they wear red as a sign of solidarity. In Indigenous traditions, red represents the connection between the living and the spirits of those who have passed.

In many communities, Two-Spirit individuals are also remembered. These are Indigenous people who do not identify within the binary division of male and female, and often carry both masculine and feminine traits. In the traditions of various tribes, they hold specific spiritual or social roles. They are more frequently at risk of violence and exclusion. For this reason, the abbreviation MMIWG is sometimes expanded to MMIWG2S, with 2S referring to Two-Spirit people. Their stories are part of this day.

History and origin

The date May 5 was chosen in memory of Hanna Harris, a young woman from the Northern Cheyenne community in Montana. She went missing in 2013 and was later found dead. Her family received little help from the police and had to take action themselves. Only after organizing their own search was her body discovered. Her case is sadly not an exception.

Many families of missing Indigenous women tell the same story: reports are ignored, cases are left unresolved, and no one takes responsibility. This day emerged from that anger. In Canada, a large national investigation was launched: the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. It collected hundreds of testimonies about structural violence, discrimination, and governmental failure.

In the United States, political pressure increased after the murder of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, a young Indigenous woman who disappeared and was killed in 2017. Her case led to Savanna’s Act, a law that requires police to better record and investigate the disappearances of Indigenous women. Activists and family members helped bring international attention to the issue. The red dress became a symbol for the missing and is worn or displayed around the world.

The Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was officially established by Indigenous activists and organizations as a day to highlight this humanitarian crisis. Through demonstrations, commemorations, and social media campaigns, awareness is raised globally and pressure is placed on governments to take action.

Who participates in this day?

• Indigenous communities: Organize commemorations and gatherings to raise awareness for the victims
• Activists and human rights organizations: Work for protection, recognition, and policy change
• Governments and policymakers: Are held accountable for implementing structural improvements
• Family members of victims: Share their stories, demand justice, and maintain pressure
• Social media users: Spread awareness using hashtags like #MMIWG and #RedDressDay

Slogans and themes

This day focuses on justice, awareness, and change. Frequently used slogans include “No woman forgotten” to honour the victims, “Listen to the voices of Indigenous women” to center their stories, and “Stop violence against Indigenous women” to urge governments to act.

Colors, symbols and patterns

Colors

• Red: The official color of the movement, symbolizing courage and remembrance
• Black: Represents mourning and the call for justice
• White: Stands for hope and change

Symbols

• Red dress: The symbol of the MMIWG movement, used in art and protests, worn or displayed to represent the missing women
• Handprint over the mouth: Refers to the silencing and ignoring of Indigenous voices
• Feather or traditional pattern: Represents Indigenous identity and strength

Patterns

• Tribal art and motifs: Emphasize the culture and heritage of Indigenous peoples
• Waves and circles: Symbolize community and interconnectedness
• Shadows and silhouettes: Represent the missing whose voices can no longer be heard

Most used hashtags

#MMIWG
#RedDressDay
#NoMoreStolenSisters
#JusticeForIndigenousWomen
#EndViolenceAgainstWomen

How do you commemorate this day?

• Wear red: Show solidarity by wearing red clothing or a red dress
• Share information: Raise awareness through social media and news platforms
• Join a commemoration: Support Indigenous communities by attending events
• Support Indigenous organizations: Donate to initiatives working for justice and support
• Listen to Indigenous voices: Learn more about their perspectives and the challenges they face

Why is this day important?

Violence against Indigenous women and girls has been ignored for decades, even though they are disproportionately affected by murder, disappearance, and trafficking. Many cases remain unsolved, and governments fail to provide protection or justice.

This day makes that reality visible. It demands recognition for what has been overlooked for generations. By creating global awareness, pressure on governments grows to take responsibility. Sharing stories and symbols is not only an act of remembrance, but also resistance to indifference.

By raising awareness, more people can get involved, hold decision-makers accountable, and support affected communities. This day gives space to voices that have been silenced for too long. No woman or girl should ever be forgotten.