Community organizers reflect on annual Red Dress Day

Leaders, allies, and affected families were set to gather this week to commemorate Red Dress Day in Winnipeg,

May 5 has been recognized as Red Dress Day across Canada since 2010 in recognition of the crisis of gender-based and racial violence against Indigenous women — 2026 is the sixth year Winnipeg has observed the day with community walks.

“The walk draws people from across Canada,” said Travis Barsy, organizer and chairperson with Changemaker 231, a non-profit focused on education and awareness of the 231 calls for action stemming from the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls. He said people have travelled from Vancouver and Ontario to walk in past Winnipeg marches.

Last year, Barsy estimates 800 to 900 people attended. He said his goal is to see 5,000 people participate one day.

“My role as a male in the community is to lift voices and provide a safe space for women and gender-diverse people,” Barsy said. “Families aren’t alone. They have support to walk in solidarity.”

“It’s all inclusive and family friendly. It’s a safe space to walk and be together physically,” Barsy said.

This is the first year the event had a sign language interpreter and a two-spirit elder open proceedings with a prayer.

The group met at Oodena Celebration Circle at The Forks and followed Broadway west to Memorial Park, where the event finished with a round dance, drumming, and singing.

In the morning, a solidarity walk for Mackaylah Gerard-Roussin and all MMIWG2S+ was held at 10 a.m. with the group beginning at the Law Courts building and finishing at Oodena Celebration Circle.

“Many MMIWG2S+ events (are spent) talking about how they died, it’s important for our family to celebrate the love and life they lived,” said Isabel Daniels, Indigenous victims of crime liaison with the Anish Healing Centre, an affected family member, and community advocate.

Daniels spoke before the evening walk at The Forks.

She, along with the Anish Healing Centre, will be hosting a MMIWG2S+ family fun day later this year. It was originally scheduled for May 3 but was postponed until July because of poor field conditions at The Forks. When it is held, it will feature bouncy castles, ice cream, lunch, live bands, and a new ceremony started by Daniels this year called Unsung Heroes, which will honour the volunteers and allies who have supported MMIWG2S+ efforts without recognition or compensation.

“This is a day set aside to raise awareness, but the Red Dress Day is every day, and this continuing support needs to remain every day,” Barsy said.

“For those who couldn’t make it this May 5, come out next year,” Barsy said.