'We deserve justice': Red Dress Day events in downtown Winnipeg honour MMIWG2S+

Manitobans gathered at events in Winnipeg Sunday to mark Red Dress Day, the nationally recognized day to raise awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

Many had the losses of a loved one on their mind, while reflecting on changes that still need to be made in order to keep people safe. Some also reflected on the announcement of the long-awaited Red Dress Alert system, a bid to prevent deaths and increase safe reunions with loved ones.

That system will be funded through money set aside in this year’s federal and provincial budgets.

“I think it’s wonderful, it’s time,” said Julie Deane at an event at The Forks Sunday afternoon, where people affected by MMIWG2S+ shared their stories and drummers and dancers also gathered.

“Maybe it’ll stop, maybe the madness and the killing will stop.”

Julie Deane says it is ‘wonderful’ the province is implementing a Red Dress Alert system. (Arturo Chang/CBC )

Others are remaining optimistic about the alert system, but also would like to see the province and country be more proactive about protecting Indigenous women.

“We have our most vulnerable women that are going missing left and right because there’s no services out there for them,” said Melissa Robinson, a cousin of Morgan Harris, who police believe was the victim of an alleged serial killer.

“So we need to do better, not only here in Manitoba, but as a country.”

Former Long Plain First Nation Chief Kyra Wilson said the Red Dress Alert system is a resource that’s been needed for quite some time, but also echoed Robinson’s thoughts.

“That’s something that you hear time and time again with many different systems that are negatively affecting the lives of Indigenous people is that we need to be talking about prevention and talking about what do we do to be proactive instead of being reactive.”

Hundreds are also expected to march throughout the downtown area Sunday. The fourth annual MMIWG2S+ Walk for Justice is expected to start at 6 p.m at The Forks’ Oodena Circle.

Lousie Menow, from Norway House Cree Nation, has been part of the walks all four years and will honour her childhood friend, Hillary Angel Wilson, who was 18 years old when her body was found near a highway outside Winnipeg in 2009.

Police labelled her death a homicide, but no one has been arrested.

“I grew up with Hillary, and when I heard she passed, it was devastating,” Menow said.

Louise Menow said Sunday’s event was important to her because she will honour loved ones she has lost. Menow also brought her children to The Forks and wants her daughter to use her voice as she grows up. (Arturo Chang/CBC)

Her death left Menow feeling scared to move to Winnipeg, and even after he’s been living here for more than 10 years, she said she still feeling unsafe.

“Wherever I go, I am always going to be a target just by being an Indigenous woman,” she said.

She’ll also be walking for her niece Grace, who was killed by a drunk driver last year.

“She deserved justice, we deserve justice,” she said.

NDP announces endowment fund

The provincial government announced a new $15 million endowment fund to support MMIWG2S+ families to mark Red Dress Day.

Funds generated from the endowment will be used to offer grants that MMIWG2S+ families can apply for. The initial investment is expected to generate up to $750,000 a year, the province said in a Sunday news release.

The endowment will be managed by The Winnipeg Foundation.

The first intake for the program is expected to launch in 2025, and the province plans to work with families, the Matriarch Circle and community partners to determine grant eligibility, the news release says.

Myrna Abraham from Sagkeeng First Nation was on hand at the announcement.

Her older sister Sharon, was reported missing in January 2004 and later that year, her DNA was found on notorious serial killer Robert Pickton’s farm. The remains of 33 women were found on his farm, including Abraham.

Myrna Abraham shows a skirt with photos of her sister Sharon. (Gary Solilak/CBC )

Abraham said she might be able to benefit from the endowment fund along with families who experience financial challenges when searching for a missing family member.

“It’ll help with families that are now looking for their families,” she said. “It’s every day, you look at Facebook, you see families missing or male or female or two-spirited and it’s really sad that there’s a target on our back.”

“It really helps with financial relief which is basically the most stress when you’re searching or when you have to … leave your home community to look for your family members and it’s a relief.”

The University of Winnipeg marked Red Dress Day with its 19th annual graduation powwow.

Fancy shawl dancer Harmony Williams — the daughter of Jana Williams, who was murdered in 2021 — was invited to perform at the event.

“When I go on stage today, I’ll be thinking of my mom,” she told CBC News ahead of the performance.