May 5th MMIWG2S

May 5th Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women plus – Red Dress Awareness Day

Unsurrendered Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh Territory, Vancouver, BC

This crisis has gone on for far too long.  The public is welcomed to join us to become aware of this issue that is all too familiar to our people.  Indigenous women are 12 times more likely to go missing than any other women in Canada and unfortunately, many of our cases go unsolved.  The Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner (OPCC) is now investigating how police handled the cases of Noelle O’Soup, Chelsea Poorman and Tatyanna Harrison. 

We are thankful the OPCC took the families concerns seriously, as they felt the police did not handle their cases appropriately.  There are many cases unsolved and women still missing across the country.  We need to bring awareness to this crisis.  We are thankful for the partnerships with organizations working together to support our families of the MMIWG2S. 

The Aboriginal Mothers Centre, BC Native Women’s Association, Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre, Union Gospel Mission, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, have joined in unity with Indigenous Women Rise Society to support this healing event on May 5th.  We will begin at 2:00 pm at Grandview Park with a welcome from representatives from the local nations. We will hear from advocates and family members who have been affected by this horrific crisis that we face.  Cultural support will be on hand that day for all family members and community including cedar brushing and smudging.  We will have several tents and seating for families and elders as well as bagged lunches for community and wellness bags for the families of MMIWG2S.

The event will close with Love Medicine pow wow drum and Jingle Dress Dancers offering healing for all attending.  We hope that you will join us to lift and comfort the families who have been affected by this crisis. 

This event will take place in Grandview Park located on Commercial Drive in Vancouver.  Everyone is welcome to join us and wear red, bring drums, rattles, and your good energy.

Much appreciation to our partners and to Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation for helping to support this event and to Britannia Community Centre for supplying the tents, tables, and chairs.

Without our partnerships and community, this event would not be possible.  Please join us as we lift MMIWG2S families on May 5th. We are forever grateful for those who support our mission to Cultivate Safe Spaces for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit women to gather, learn, heal and celebrate.

In unity, Indigenous women rise. For more information contact Diana Day, Founder, Indigenous Women Rise Society at 778-868-6510