MMIWG2S+ Red Dress Day Event

Red Dress Day is a National Day of remembrance and activism in Canada honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+).

Red Dress Day is observed annually on May 5th and was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black-Morsette’s REDress Project, which began in 2010. The project involved displaying empty red dresses in public spaces to symbolize the lives of Indigenous women and girls who have been murdered or gone missing, drawing attention to the disproportionate rates of violence they face in Canada.

The MacKenzie Art Gallery is hosting a community engagement event on Sunday, May 3, in the Shumiatcher Theatre to honour Red Dress Day, featuring guest speakers: Jaime Black-Morsette, Tracey George-Heese, Agnes Yellowbear, and Chelsea Nokusis, who will share their stories and art that reflect their work and awareness of the Red Dress project.

The day serves as both a remembrance and a call to action, highlighting the ongoing crisis of gender-based and racialized violence against Indigenous communities. According to Amnesty International Canada, Indigenous women and girls make up less than 5% of Canada’s population but represent approximately 24% of female homicide victims. Red Dress Day also aligns with the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which documented systemic causes of violence and proposed solutions.

Participants honor MMIWG2S+ through various symbolic and community activities, including: Displaying red dresses in public spaces, windows, or museums. Wearing red clothing or accessories such as dresses, earrings, or painted red hands. Marches, memorials, and ceremonies to remember loved ones and raise awareness. Art installations and educational events to engage communities and allies. These activities aim to make the crisis visible, foster solidarity, and encourage advocacy for justice and systemic change.

Red Dress Day also emphasizes the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, which contribute to the high rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. It is a day to listen to stories, commemorate strength, and support healing within Indigenous communities. By participating in Red Dress Day, individuals and communities contribute to raising awareness, honouring the lives of MMIWG2S+, and advocating for meaningful social change.

Programming for this event is supported by TD.

Event Schedule

1 PM — Opening Remarks by emcee Lori Whiteman and opening prayer with Elder Betty McKenna
1:15 PM — Introduction of Speakers
1:20–1:40 PM — Jaime Black-Morsette (live via Zoom), Founder of the REDress Project
1:40–2 PM — Tracey George-Heese
2–2:10 PM — Wellness Break
2:10–2:30 PM — Chelsea Nokusis
2:30–2:50 PM — Agnes Yellowbear
2:50 PM — Closing Remarks by Lori Whiteman

Appetizers will be provided by Giroux Catering.

Speakers Bios

Agnes Yellow Bear

Agnes Yellow Bear, is Néhiyaw from Treaty 4 territory and a member of Kawacatoose First Nations. She currently resides in North Dakota with her husband and children.  She is a distinguished 2023 Bush Foundation Fellow, dedicated to centering the voices and experiences of families directly impacted by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR). As an MMIWR family member and advocate, speaker, lived experience expert, grassroots community organizer, and designer of ReeCreeations, Agnes brings a wealth of experience and passion to her work. Drawing from her family’s lived experiences, she intimately understands the devastating effects of assimilation policies on Indigenous Peoples. Agnes leverages her personal experiences and artistic talents to amplify Indigenous voices, empower Indigenous communities, and foster healing, visibility, and connection to Indigenous identity. Her commitment to justice serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for Indigenous Peoples everywhere. 

Chelsea Nokusis

Chelsea Nokusis is the founder and creative force behind Chelsea’s Cree-ations, and is originally from Peepeekisis Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. As an Indigenous fashion designer, Chelsea’s work blends contemporary style with cultural storytelling, creating designs that honor heritage while embracing modern expression. Her mission is for every individual who wears one of her creations to feel empowered, proud, confident, and beautiful all at once. Her designs not only celebrate Indigenous heritage but also serve as a pathway for personal healing, growth, and reconnection to the old ways. Each piece she creates represents a new learning experience, as she continues to expand her skills and knowledge within the fashion industry. Chelsea’s Cree-ations is more than a brand — it is a movement dedicated to celebrating culture, uplifting individuals, and leaving an indelible mark on the fashion landscape. Chelsea has showcased her work on international stages, including New York, Paris, and Milan Fashion Weeks, bringing Indigenous representation to global audiences. Chelsea Nokusis was also a finalist in the Women of Distinction Awards. 

Jaime Black-Morsette

Jaime Black-Morsette is a Red River Métis artist, writer, and activist, currently living and working on their home territory near the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. They are the founder of the REDress Project (2009), an ongoing work that brings attention to the violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people across Turtle Island. For over fifteen years, their practice has centred on gathering community and creating space for action and change. Their recent publication, REDress: Art, Action and The Power of Presence, brings together the voices of Indigenous women whose work is grounded in advocacy, justice, and care. Working across writing, spoken word, film, installation, photography, and performance, Black-Morsette’s practice explores memory, identity, place, and resistance.

Tracey George Heese

Tracey George Heese is a direct hereditary descendant of Chief Kakishiway, Treaty 4 signatory, and a member of Ochapowace First Nation in Treaty 4 Territory, Saskatchewan. She is a visionary fashion designer and cultural arts facilitator. Her work, under the label Timeless Shadows Apparel, blends traditional Indigenous artistry with contemporary fashion, serving diverse clients from rodeo, powwow to royalty. As a garment designer, arts facilitator, and full-time grandmother, Tracey is connected to cultural roots and helps others express their beliefs. 

Laura (Lori) Whiteman

Laura (Lori) Whiteman is a professional facilitator and consultant based in Treaty 4 Territory (Regina). She is a member of the Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation. Lori has worked as an educational leader and facilitator in Indigenous communities, non-profit organizations, and education systems. She is passionate about supporting groups and organizations in discovering their power in addressing complex challenges. She is passionate about Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous life-long learning, anti-racist education, and community-building. Lori has contributed as a board member and advisor to boards and juries at a provincial and national level. She is currently serving on the Cultural Advisory Circle for the Downie Wenjack Foundation and as an Advisor to the RCMP “F” Division’s Indigenous Women’s Advisory Circle. Lori is on the grassroots groups, Place of Reflection for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited+, and the mutual aid Matriarchs Collective. Lori is honoured to be Mom to two daughters, a son-in-law, and Koko to 5 grandchildren who all make their home in Regina.