Msko-mjigoodenh Giizhigad | Red Dress Day

May 5 is Red Dress Day | Msko-mjigoodenh Giizhigad, also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S).

The day is designated to honour the memories of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people across Canada. Visible reminders of this day are symbolized by hanging red dresses in windows, on fences, on balconies or in trees in connection to Mother Earth. The dresses represent the pain and loss that is felt by loved ones and survivors and the impact on Indigenous families, communities and nations across Turtle Island.

This year at TMU, we are commemorating this day by having our second annual outdoor Red Dress Exhibit | Msko-mjigoodenh Zhinoomaagewin. The exhibit will be a visible reminder, bringing forth awareness of the targeted gendered and racialized crimes against the Indigenous Peoples.

All community members are invited to visit and observe the Msko-mjigoodenh Zhinoomaagewin | Red Dress Exhibit located on Gould Street (between Bond St. and Church St.).

Schedule

Red Dress Exhibit
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Gould Street (between Bond St. and Church St.) and Kerr Hall Quad (leading to flagpole from Gould Street)
Description: Exhibit of red dresses

Red Dress Day Gathering Circle
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Kerr Hall Quad at 43 Gerrard St. East
Description: Gathering of various teachings, offering of tobacco, prayers and conclude with a berry feasting offering to the sacred fire.
Moontime Protocol: Please keep in mind, the protocol of women on their “moontime” (menstrual time) is to refrain from being directly at the sacred fire. There will be a cedar circle for those who are on their time to be in the circle if wanting to attend the Gathering Circle.

Sacred Fire
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kerr Hall Quad
Location: Kerr Hall Quad at 43 Gerrard St. East
Description: Opportunity for offering of tobacco and prayers MMIWG2S.
Moontime Protocol: Please keep in mind, the protocol of women on their “moontime” (menstrual time) are to refrain from being directly at the sacred fire. If you are wanting to offer some prayers, helpers at the fire can offer tobacco for you.

Have a red dress to donate to the exhibit?
Community members are invited to donate red dresses for the Red Dress Exhibit on the following dates and times:

Thursday, April 24
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
KHW-366

Thursday, April 24
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
KHW-366-A

Thursday, May 1
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
KHW-366-A

Additional Drop-off Area
The library will accept donations of red dresses at the Circulation Desk (just inside the east entrance of the library) during library operating hours (7 a.m. to 1 a.m.) between April 21 and April 25.

Mental Wellness & Cultural Support                                                                                           
Weecheetowin Support Services (pronounced Wee-cheet-owin), will be on-site to provide mental wellness and cultural support.

Crisis Support   
For immediate crisis support, please call MMIWG Crisis Line 1-844-413-6649 or Hope For Wellness Helpline 1-855-242-3310 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more about supports available to Indigenous students, faculty and staff at TMU.

Accessibility accommodations
The university is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any accommodation requirements, please email Crystal Osawamick, Manager of Indigenous Events and Special Projects at crystal.osawamick@torontomu.ca.

Questions?
For more information about the exhibit or would like to help volunteer with hanging the dresses, please contact Crystal Osawamick, Manager, Indigenous Events and Special Projects, at crystal.osawamick@torontomu.ca.