York Region recognizes Red Dress Day
On behalf of York Regional Council and The Regional Municipality of York, we recognize today, May 5, 2023, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People, also known as Red Dress Day.
Red Dress Day is a day to honour and remember the Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people who have lost their lives to colonial and gender-based violence in Canada. It is also an opportunity to express our support for grieving families and communities and to take action to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and two spirit people.
This sombre day takes on added gravity with the finding of unmarked graves at numerous former residential schools over the past several years, reminding us the enduring, destructive legacy of colonialism continues today.
To honour those lost and to stand in solidarity with our Indigenous community, all residents are encouraged to review the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and reflect on the role we can each play in helping to meet the report’s 231 Calls for Justice.
York Region and York Regional Council remain committed to creating welcoming and inclusive communities. We continue to move forward in partnership with Indigenous Peoples by intentionally listening and learning from the past, and we offer our renewed support to stand with the Indigenous community on the path to justice.
In honour of the Red Dress Day and in remembrance of Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people, the clock tower at the York Region Administrative Centre in The Town of Newmarket will be illuminated red.
Red Dress Day may be triggering for some people. A national, toll-free, 24/7 support line is available for anyone who requires emotional assistance related to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirt people. For assistance, call 1-844-413-6649
Wayne Emmerson
York Region Chairman and CEO
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Media Contact:
Corporate Communications, The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675, ext. 71234
@email
