(Toronto, Ont. – May 5, 2026) On Red Dress Day, the Chiefs of Ontario stand in remembrance and solidarity with families, survivors, and communities impacted by the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit people (MMIWG2S+).

Observed annually on May 5, Red Dress Day is a National Day of Awareness and Action, honouring the lives taken and those still missing, while calling for justice and systemic change.

This year, the day is marked by urgent concern. The federal government has recently allowed critical funding dedicated to addressing the MMIWG2S+ crisis to lapse with no notice or confirmation of renewal. The loss of this funding places essential support at risk, including community-led initiatives, services for families, and critical data collection and advocacy work.“Red Dress Day is not only a time of remembrance, but also a call to action. We honour the lives of First Nations women, girls, and Two Spirit people who have been taken, and we stand with the families and communities who continue to seek justice,” said Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum, Nishnawbe Aski Nation. “This crisis is ongoing, and First Nations women, girls, men, and Two Spirit people continue to face disproportionate levels of violence. We are deeply concerned by decisions to allow critical supports and funding to lapse while this violence persists. We must listen, learn, and work together to ensure accountability and to end this crisis.”

The Chiefs of Ontario emphasize that MMIWG2S+ crisis is not historic, it is ongoing. Despite the 231 Calls for Justice issued in the final report of the National Inquiry, implementation remains inconsistent. The need for stable, long-term, First Nations-led funding has never been more urgent.

“The decision to let this funding lapse, while this crisis continues, is unacceptable.” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “This crisis has not ended, and the funding should not have either. First Nations women, girls, and Two Spirit people deserve sustained, long-term investments, not short-term commitments that disappear.”

The Chiefs of Ontario call on the federal government to immediately reinstate and expand funding dedicated to MMIWG2S+ initiatives, ensuring that families, survivors, and communities are supported in their pursuit of justice, healing, and safety.

“To see this funding sunset is to see the direct impact on families, it affects them in real ways. When those supports are no longer there, families feel it. They feel forgotten. Unresolved grief provides no closure for families and communities. We cannot forget why we recognize this day.”, said Donna Debassige, Knowledge Keeper for the COO First Nations Women’s Council.

On this Red Dress Day, the Chiefs of Ontario honour the lives of those taken by this genocide and reaffirm their commitment to advancing the safety, dignity, and rights of First Nations women, girls, and Two Spirit+ people.

The Hope for Wellness Help Line is available 24/7 to all Indigenous peoples across Canada at 1-855-242-3310 online at www.hopeforwellness.ca. 

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario

Media Contact:

Isak Vaillancourt

Communications Manager

Chiefs of Ontario

Telephone: 416-819-8184

Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org