National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), to recognize and honour the lost lives of Indigenous women and girls. It is also known as Red Dress Day. 

“We must recognize the violence committed against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people and the impact of the thousands who are missing across Canada on Indigenous families and communities. Today is an important day to remember them, and our government continues to implement the MMIWG Calls for Justice as part of ongoing efforts to help end gender-based violence.”

- Hon. Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island.

The Government of Prince Edward Island releases annual status reports outlining its progress in implementing the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, as well as the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This year’s status report provides a summary and detailed responses to the Calls for Justice and Calls to Action. Highlights from the report include:

•    Hired an Indigenous Education Consultant to provide guidance on integrating Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and ways of knowing into curriculum.  
•    Increased the Indigenous Working Group funding to $500,000 to focus on gender-based violence and the safety of Indigenous women and girls.
•    Developed a new exploration module for grades 7-9, introducing the Mi’kmaw way of life known as Netukulimk. 
•    Engaged with Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations to better understand Indigenous health priorities.
•    Invested $442,000 to support Indigenous-led initiatives and events, including the acquisition of artworks by Indigenous artists for the PEI Art Bank.  
•    Hired a Diverse and Inclusive Outreach Worker in the Department of Justice and Public Safety to review policy and program development to enhance supports for clients from Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC) and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities. 
•    Provided five John J. Sark Memorial Scholarships of $1,000 each to support Island Indigenous students in their pursuit of higher education at the University of Prince Edward Island or Holland College. 
•    Provided $72,600 to the Aboriginal Women’s Association of PEI to support the Pathways to Peace project.   
•    Provided $75,000 to the Native Council of Prince Edward to focus on supportive workshops for Indigenous women and girls. 

Read the full report at Government of PEI's Response to MMIWG and TRC Recommendations.

The Government of PEI recognizes that education and awareness are essential to ending violence against Indigenous women and girls. The province remains committed to advancing initiatives and programs that support the implementation of the MMIWG Calls for Justice, ensuring that ongoing education efforts continue to complement this important work. 

Islanders are invited to join the Red Dress Walk, hosted by the Aboriginal Women’s Association of PEI (AWAPEI), at the Wyatt Heritage Properties in Summerside on Monday, May 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. AWAPEI encourages all participants to wear red. 

Media contact:
Nicole Yeba
Executive Council Office
ntyeba@gov.pe.ca