Anu Modi - BRAMPTON, ON (April 29, 2025) – The City of Brampton will mark Red Dress Day on May 5, paying tribute to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) through a striking public art installation at Ken Whillans Square and several locations across the city.
Organized by the City’s Equity Office, the installations are inspired by The REDress Project and serve as visual memorials—symbolizing lives lost and communities still grieving. The main display, unveiled at a public event with the Mayor and Council on May 5, will remain on view until May 31.
Red Dress Day is a national day of awareness that not only honours victims but also calls on all Canadians to recognize the impacts of colonial and gender-based violence, and to take action toward reconciliation and justice.
“This day is a solemn reminder of the thousands of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people whose lives were stolen,” said Mayor Patrick Brown. “We stand in solidarity with affected families and reaffirm our commitment to truth and reconciliation.”
The observance is especially poignant this year as Canadians reflect on the tragic recovery of Indigenous women from a Manitoba landfill—highlighting the urgency to act on the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S and its Calls to Justice.
Since 2020, Brampton has been aligning local efforts with these national calls, including its 2023 declaration of gender-based and intimate partner violence as an epidemic.
“The red dresses are more than symbols—they’re a call to confront injustice,” added Councillor Rowena Santos. “Through awareness and education, we honour lives lost and support the healing journey.”
Residents are encouraged to learn more and participate in remembrance by visiting: brampton.ca/MMIWG2S