May 5th is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+), also known as Red Dress Day. This observance serves as a solemn reminder of the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by Indigenous communities, particularly women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals. The Red Dress symbolizes those who have been lost to violence or have gone missing, representing stories of loss, trauma, and injustice that demand acknowledgment and action. Raising awareness of MMIWG2S+ is not just about recognizing past wrongs but also about actively working towards a future where Indigenous lives are valued, protected, and respected. By amplifying these voices and stories, we create space for healing, remembrance, and solidarity within Indigenous communities and beyond. Awareness empowers us to challenge injustices, advocate for meaningful change, and strive for justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people.
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February 14 is MMIW National Day of Action and Awareness. We encourage everyone to take some time to view our Red Dress installation and read the stories on display in Gowlings Hall. Today, activist groups organize Women's Memorial Marches around the country to protest class disparity, racism, inequality, and violence against Indigenous women and girls. The largest march takes place in Vancouver, BC, and has become a central point in the MMIW2S+ movement. For far too long, Indigenous women and girls have been publicly devalued or ignored. People’s general perceptions have been shaped by harmful colonial stereotypes. People forget that every Indigenous woman or girl—no matter how she died or what she had been through—had an inherent strength and sacred worth. We also need to transform the national conversation about Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. To build a strong foundation for healing, justice, and reconciliation, governments and institutions must change. So must our society’s attitudes and understanding of the issue.
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May 5, 2024, marks Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ relatives (MMIWG2S+). The history of Red Dress Day extends to 2010 when Indigenous artist Jaime Black put up art installations of red dresses in Manitoba. The sentiment behind the Red Dress project is to confront the presence of violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ relatives by marking the absence of those impacted by hanging empty dresses. MNBC acknowledges how much work needs to happen to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities and recognizes the good work that is happening from community, provincial, and federal levels of organization to address the epidemic of MMIWG2S+. Read more about how MNBC supports advocacy for Missing and Murdered Women and Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA relatives https://lnkd.in/gt5wXakV
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On MMIW Day, NIEA stands in solidarity with Native communities to honor the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. Today, we remember the lives lost, the families impacted, and the communities forever changed by this ongoing crisis. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the urgent need for justice, awareness, and action. Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people continue to face disproportionate rates of violence and are too often overlooked or forgotten. It's time to amplify their voices, uplift their stories, and demand accountability. As advocates for Native education and Indigenous rights, NIEA reaffirms its commitment to addressing the root causes of this epidemic. We call upon policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and communities to work together to end this violence. Today, we honor the resilience and strength of Indigenous women and girls. We stand with them, their families, and their communities in the pursuit of justice and healing. Together, we remember, honor, and demand change. #MMIWG #MMIWG2S #MissingAndMurderedIndigenousWomen #JusticeForMMIW #NativeRights #NIEAStandsWithYou
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Today, October 2nd, we observe the International Day of Non-Violence, a day that reminds us of the powerful impact of peace and non-violence. This day, serves as a global call to reject violence in all its forms and to embrace dialogue, understanding, and compassion. At DWoSO Initiative, we stand firm in our commitment to creating a world free from violence, especially against women and marginalized communities. Non-violence is not just about the absence of conflict—it is about fostering an environment where equality, justice, and human dignity prevail. In a world where conflict and injustice continue to take their toll, we believe in the power of non-violence to bring about transformative change. Through advocacy, education, and grassroots efforts, we can break the cycles of violence and build communities that prioritize peace. Join us today and every day in raising your voice for non-violence. Together, we can create a future where dialogue replaces discord, where love triumphs over hate, and where all people can live in peace and safety. Stand for peace. Stand for non-violence. 🌿✌️ #InternationalDayOfNonViolence #stoptheviolence #violencefreeworld #dwosoinitiative
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There's so much wisdom in this brilliant piece by Elizabeth Ackerley on the power of activism not only as a means to cultivate hope and empower young people with critical thinking tools, but also it's potential as a basis for intergenerational solidarity. Exploring young people's experience of what activism means to them, it's link to care and caring, and the importance of youth work in the age of austerity, this piece - written for our partners at Talking Hope - it draws on research from Liz's time with the RECLAIM project in Manchester. https://lnkd.in/ekR2nQq6
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In a new piece for Candid, President & CEO Teresa C. Younger shares why building grassroots organizations' capacity is central to our mission. We do this by prioritizing women- and people of color-led grassroots organizations, building grassroots capacity to address underlying causes of injustices, and building funder-grassroots relationships. Read the full article now! https://lnkd.in/gTaEsxvg
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Mark your calendars for March 8th for the launch of our new report, "Seeds of Change: Community Perspectives on Gender-Based Violence, Advocacy, and Action in Newfoundland and Labrador"! As we eagerly anticipate the big day, we're reflecting on the profound words shared by a dedicated community worker we spoke with during the development of this report. They said: 💭 "You won’t hear the whole story if you don’t let everyone at the table." These words encapsulate the essence of our report and the importance of inclusivity in driving meaningful change. Together, we're amplifying voices, dismantling barriers, and paving the way for a future where gender-based violence is eradicated. 🌱✊ Image Description: Black background with bold white text that reads, "You won't hear the whole story if you don't let everyone at the table". The words "whole story" is highlighted in red. Underneath this text in smaller white text, credit is given to "Community Worker, 2023". At the bottom of the image in a red rectangle is white text that says, "REPORT LAUNCH DATE: MARCH 8, 2024".
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Creating Impactful Brands & Engaged Communities | Association Management & MICE Specialist | Mental Health Champion
🌟 Standing in Solidarity: Red Dress Day and Our Commitment 🌟 May 5th is Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+). On this solemn date, we honour and bring awareness to the thousands of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit individuals who have faced disproportionate violence in Canada. 🔴 The REDress Project: 2011 Métis artist Jaime Black initiated the REDress Project—a powerful visual art installation. Red dresses hang in public spaces—outside homes, balconies, and bustling areas. Red, believed to be the only colour visible to the spirit world, guides missing souls back home, granting them peace. 🌎 Our Collective Responsibility: Let’s learn more, spread awareness, and engage in local community activities. Together, we can honor lives, challenge systemic barriers, and create safer spaces for all racial and ethnic backgrounds navigating life’s complexities. 🌟 Hopeful Activism: As we strategize, let hope guide us. Awareness isn’t passive; it’s a catalyst. Let’s weave threads of compassion, understanding, and resilience. Our activism isn’t just for today—it’s for a safer, more inclusive tomorrow. #RedDressDay #MMIWG2S+ #Solidarity
Today, we at Sedgwick Strategies stand in solidarity on Red Dress Day. This day is a powerful reminder to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The red dress symbolizes the absence of these women and girls and is a call to action for all of us to support and amplify the voices of Indigenous communities in their quest for justice and change. We encourage everyone to learn more, spread the word, and engage in local community activities that honour the lives of these women and girls and push for meaningful actions to address this critical issue. #RedDressDay #MMIWG
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As the International Women's Day is coming up, Ms. Phounsy Phasavaeng, Director of Program Operation has a comment about women in the work of protecting children. "Women are a very important part of supporting children, which includes their family, community, and work. To support children's access to education, health care, and protection"- Phounsy Phasavaeng.
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Inclusive Leadership | Empowering Growth Through Learning & Innovation | Driving Sustainability & Well-Being in Mining | Honoring Indigenous Communities
🕯️ Honoring the National Day of Action for MMIWG2S Today, October 4th, is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people (#MMIWG2S). It’s a day to honor the lives lost, support affected families, and commit to meaningful change. 3 Ways You Can Take Action Today: 1. Attend a Vigil or Event: Participate in a #MMIWG2S vigil or event in your community to show solidarity and support. 2. Educate Yourself: Read the Assembly of First Nations Progress Report (June 3, 2024) on the 231 Calls for Justice. Understanding the issues is a crucial step toward advocating for change. 3. Amplify the Message: Use the hashtags #MMIWG2S, #MMIGActionNow, and #SistersInSpirit on social media to raise awareness and keep the conversation going. ✨ Reflection: Let us take this day to reflect on the systemic issues that contribute to this national tragedy and consider how we can contribute to a safer, more equitable society for all. 🔗 Call-to-Action: Join me in taking action today. Whether through attending an event, educating ourselves, or amplifying voices, every effort counts. #MMIWG2S #MMIGActionNow #SistersInSpirit #IndigenousRights #TakeAction
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