Each May 5, the Toronto District School Board joins communities across Turtle Island in marking Red Dress Day and the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). In commemoration, flags will be lowered at all TDSB administrative sites.

The REDress Project is an art installation with red dresses that was created by Métis artist Jaime Black to call attention to MMIWG2S, and today, her efforts have grown into a project that spans the continent. In memory of the victims and in solidarity with their families, red dresses are now hung from porches, trees and in windows. 

Red Dress Day is also an important learning opportunity for both students and staff. We encourage staff to continue to learn about the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S and to engage with Red Dress Day and encourage conversations about Reconciliation with students in age appropriate ways to build awareness and plans for action. Please remember that we want to engage in these conversations with particular sensitivity for the well-being of students and staff who may have lived experiences that make these conversations difficult. The Urban Indigenous Education Centre has gathered resources for learning, as well as ways to get support.

On Red Dress Day – and throughout the year – the TDSB is committed to standing alongside Indigenous communities in realizing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Actions and seeking justice for MMIWG2S.

Sincerely,

Colleen Russell-Rawlins 

Director of Education