Honouring Red Dress Day: Their safety is our shared responsibility

May 5, 2025

Content warning: Colonial and gender-based violence.

Today, CMHA Grey Bruce joins CMHA Ontario and communities across the province to honour Red Dress Day – the National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWG2S).

Red Dress Day serves as a powerful reminder of the systemic violence and injustices experienced by Indigenous peoples. The red dress symbolizes the thousands of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals who are missing or have been lost to violence — a loss felt deeply across generations.

The ongoing crisis of MMIWG2S is closely tied to mental health. The trauma of violence, systemic discrimination and intergenerational impacts of colonialism have contributed to disproportionate rates of mental health challenges among Indigenous communities.

At CMHA Grey Bruce, we recognize that healing and mental health must be rooted in cultural understanding, equity, and community leadership.

We are committed to supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and offering culturally appropriate mental health services.

Whether you prefer to talk to someone on the phone or online, the Hope for Wellness Helpline is here to support you anytime. Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. You can call 1-855-242-3310 (Toll-free) or connect online to the Hope for Wellness Chat

We stand in solidarity today and every day with Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.

Resources:

• National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
• Native Women’s Association of Canada
• CMHA Ontario’s Commitment to Reconciliation

Learn more and take action

Ending the violence faced by Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people is not the work of a few, it demands all of us. True safety can only exist when entire communities take action, challenge systems of harm and uplift Indigenous leadership. This collective responsibility means advocating for justice for victims, survivors and their families.

If you or someone you know is looking for support, please contact CMHA Grey Bruce by calling 519-371-3642 or toll free at 1-888-451-CMHA.

If you are thinking of suicide call or text 9-8-8 (24/7) for immediate support.