Friday, May 5, 2023 – May 5th is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, also referred to as Red Dress Day. 
In Canada, Indigenous women and girls are targeted for violence more than any other group. We now know that they are 12 times more likely to go missing or be killed. And, in 2019, a national inquiry named this crisis in Canada a genocide.
The District of Sooke acknowledges this horrifying reality and is committed to raising awareness of the tragic number of Indigenous Women and Girls who disappear or are murdered, at a rate far beyond the non-native population.
The District’s Red Dress installation at Sooke Municipal Hall, a gift from the Rotary Club of Sooke, is a reminder of the calls for action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
“When people see the red dress, I hope they take a moment to reflect how they live values of kindness and care and what might be within their influence to take meaningful action and prevent further loss and harm,” shares Mayor Maja Tait.
Meaningful action is exactly what Pyper Phillips, a Metis student at Edward Milne Community School did in 2021. Phillips crafted a remarkable metalwork dress from a template designed by Vancouver Island First Nations artist, Karver Everson, to raise awareness of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada. The RedDress installation at Sooke Municipal Hall is a replica of Pyper’s work.
On May 5th, all in our community are encouraged to pause and reflect on this aspect of our country’s history.
Let us honour.
Let us respect and reflect.
Let us remember.
To learn more: