Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict and the First Nations Women’s Council Release Joint Statement in honour of Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+)

WARNING: Sensitive subject matter.

(Toronto, Ont. – May 5, 2025) On Red Dress Day, the symbolic red dresses serve as a powerful reminder of the violence that has and continues to disproportionately impact First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.

“Today we pause to honour and remember the First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who have been taken from their families and the earth far too soon. The Chiefs of Ontario and the First Nations Women’s Council are committed to working toward the full implementation of the National Inquiry’s Calls for Justice. We will continue to advocate for solutions that protect the safety of those vulnerable to targeted acts of violence to ensure that no more lives are stolen through violence and systemic neglect.” Said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict.

The First Nations Women’s Council reminds us that each red dress whispers the name of a loved one — a daughter, a sister, a mother, a friend — whose life was precious and irreplaceable. Today, we stand in solidarity with the families and survivors who continue to advocate for truth, justice, and systemic change.

“The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls called this ongoing violence what it is: a genocide.” Said First Nations Women’s Council member Sandra Montour.

“Despite the release of the Inquiry’s Final Report and Calls for Justice, there is so much action still needed across all levels of government to address this violence and take the necessary steps to ensure that First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are protected and supported. Too many are familiar with stories of lost loved ones or live them firsthand.” Montour explained.

The Chiefs of Ontario and the First Nations Women’s Council remain committed to advancing the full implementation of the Calls for Justice.

As Canada heads into a new government, we call on the federal leadership to act with urgency. The Calls for Justice have laid out a clear framework—now it’s time for full implementation. We hold the new government accountable for addressing this ongoing genocide.

Let the symbol of red dresses remind us of the lives we honour, the spirits we call home, and the action we must continue to push for—to ensure that First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are protected.

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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