Red Dress Day Community Events 2025
On May 5, Tikinagan Child and Family Services will recognize Red Shirt Day. At Tikinagan, we are committed to raising awareness and doing what we can, day in and day out, to help prevent violence against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples. We also acknowledge that the messaging of #reddressday goes beyond May 5th and is a lifelong commitment of our organization.
Inspired by the work of Métis artist Jaime Black, the red dress represents the pain and loss felt by loved ones and survivors. Show strength and support to the families of those missing and murdered by hanging red dresses from windows and trees this week.
Showing your support goes a long way in starting a conversation about our history and its implications on our present. These conversations lead to action and change that can bring our communities together. Learn more about the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls at Final Report | MMIWG .
Please see below for events in our communities.
Local Events
THUNDER BAY
May 3, 2025 – Drop – In Sign Making @ LWC (Loud Women Collective)
Loud Women Collective will be hosting a drop-in poster making session during their Crafty Queers session in support of Shelter House Thunder Bay’s upcoming MMIWG2S+ Vigil on Monday May 5. All supplies will be provided —including text inspiration to help express your love, grief, and solidarity.
Even if you can’t attend the vigil itself, you’re warmly invited to stop by, create, and contribute. Posters not personally claimed will be shared with attendees on May 5 to help fill the space with community care and powerful messages.
⏰ Time: 12.PM – 3.PM
📍 Location: Goods n Co. 251 Red River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON
May 5, 2025 – National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+ Memorial Walk & Vigil
Beendigen and Shelter House Thunder Bay will be collaborating on May 5th in honour of National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+ at the Marina for a memorial walk and feast! ❤️
⏰ Time: 12.PM
📍 Location: Marina Park, Thunder Bay, ON & Feast at Port Arthur Legion Brach 5. 229 Van Norman St.
SIOUX LOOKOUT
May 5, 2025 – Sunrise Ceremony | Mooka’am Mandiookiwin – Nishnawbe Gamik Friendship Centre
Join us for the “Red Dress Day” Sunrise Ceremony on May 5 at 5:30 AM at the NGFC! Our wonderful Elder, Romaine Lyon, will be leading the ceremony. If you have any questions or need more details, feel free to reach out to Charlotte Semple, Culture Resource Coordinator, or Kari Semple, Healing and Wellness. We hope to see you there!
Please bring your tobacco and wear your ribbon dress.
⏰ Time: 5.30 AM
📍 Location: Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre, Sioux Lookout, ON, 52 King St.
May 5, 2025 – Documentary Screening – Highway of Tears – Nishnawbe Gamik Friendship Centre
Come watch the impactful documentary “Highway of Tears,” which sheds light on the stories of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) in northern British Columbia.
Join us on May 5 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre—Main Hall. We’ll also have a “Red Ribbon Dress” door prize to enter!
⏰ Time: 11.30 AM – 1.PM
📍 Location: Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre, Sioux Lookout, ON, 52 King St.
RED LAKE
May 5, 2025 – Memorial Walk
Join us in honouring and raising awareness for MMIWG2S+ with a memorial walk followed by a ceremony at Phillip Thomas Vinent Centennial Park.
⏰ Time: 11.00 AM & 12.00PM
📍 Location: Phillip Thomas Vinent Centennial Park, Red Lake, ON
DRYDEN
May 5, 2025 – Walk for MMIWG2+ – Dryden Native Friendship Centre
The Dryden Native Friendship Centre (DNFC) will be hosting an afternoon walk to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQ+ Peoples.
⏰ Time: 12.00PM-2.00PM
📍 Location: Dryden Native Friendship Centre, 74 Queen St. Dryden, ON
KENORA
May 5, 2025 – Round Dance in Recognition of MMIWG2S+ – Northwestern Ontario Métis Child & Family Services (NWOMCFS)
Northwestern Ontario Métis Child & Family Services (NWOMCFS) and the Ne-Chee Friendship Centre are collaborating to hose a Round Dance to recognize Red Dress Day. All are welcome!
⏰ Time: 5.00PM-8.00PM
📍 Location: Northwestern Ontario Métis Child & Family Services Gym, 1301 Railway St. Kenora, ON
GERALDTON
May 5, 2025 – Red Dress Day Walk | Thunderbird Friendship Centre Geraldton
Join us for “Red Dress Day” on May 5 to walk in recognition for National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+. All are welcome and are encouraged to wear red
⏰ Time: 1.00 PM
📍 Location: Thunderbird Friendship Centre Geraldton, Geraldton, ON, 301 Beamish Ave.
Know of an event we don’t have listed? Email communications@tikinagan.org with the event info!
If you are affected by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people and need immediate emotional assistance, call 1-844-413-6649.