The “red dress” in the title refers to the Red Dress Project, an art installation to honor missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada. This ongoing crisis disproportionately impacts First Nations, Métis and Inuit women and girls. The red dresses symbolize the spirit of the lost women. They draw attention to gender-based violence and racism against Indigenous peoples. This article will provide background on the crisis, examine key factors, and summarize responses by Indigenous communities and the Canadian government.
Background on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in Canada
Indigenous women face disturbingly high rates of violence in Canada. Amnesty International estimates the homicide rate for Indigenous women in Canada could be as much as 4.5 times higher than for other women. The Native Women’s Association of Canada has documented cases of over 4000 missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls since the 1960s. However, due to limitations in police recording, the true number is unknown and estimated to be much higher.
These missing and murdered women were daughters, mothers, sisters and aunties. They were knowledge keepers and community leaders. Their absence leaves unfillable holes in families and communities across Canada. The crisis spans generations. Many families are grieving both missing mothers and daughters. The legacy of colonization, racism and discrimination contributes to the vulnerability of Indigenous women. Advocates link the crisis to economic inequality, lack of safe housing, and changes to traditional Indigenous family structures. Domestic abuse and human trafficking networks also target Indigenous girls and women.
The Red Dress Project
The Red Dress Project is an art installation started by Métis artist Jaime Black in 2010. Red dresses are hung in public places to symbolize Indigenous women who are missing or were murdered. Each dress represents one woman’s story. The striking blood-red color and empty dresses call attention to lives cut short by racism and violence. The Red Dress Project provides a visual reminder of this ongoing tragedy. It raises awareness about gender-based violence against Indigenous women. The installation has traveled across Canada and to other countries. Community commemorations often include ceremonies, songs and speeches by families of missing and murdered women.
Key Factors in Violence Against Indigenous Women
The crisis has complex roots in Canada’s history of colonialism and policies that displaced and oppressed Indigenous peoples. Here are some key factors:
– **Racism and discrimination:** Indigenous women face entrenched racism and sexism in Canadian society. They are more likely to experience hate crimes. Police investigations and media coverage have been criticized for racist and sexist victim-blaming.
– **Economic inequality:** Poverty and lack of housing put Indigenous women at higher risk for exploitation and trafficking. Many have inadequate support systems.
– **Jurisdictional issues:** Gaps between federal and provincial/territorial responsibilities undermine law enforcement and policies to protect Indigenous women.
– **Domestic abuse:** Indigenous women face higher rates of partner violence. This may relate to intergenerational trauma and substance abuse.
– **Human trafficking:** Indigenous women and girls are particularly vulnerable to traffickers due to poverty, homelessness and addiction issues.
– **Over-policing and under-protection:** Indigenous people are overrepresented in Canada’s prison system. However, police are often criticized for failing to adequately investigate cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
– **Legacy of colonial violence:** The residential school system disrupted Indigenous families and made children vulnerable.
Calls for Action from the National Inquiry
In 2016, the Canadian government launched an independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. After hearing from over 2000 family members and survivors, the inquiry released its final report in 2019. The report concluded that persistent violence against Indigenous women amounts to genocide. It issued 231 individual Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions and all Canadians.
Some of the key Calls for Justice are:
– Recognizing Indigenous rights and Indigenous-led solutions
– Increasing public awareness and education
– Addressing socioeconomic marginalization
– Funding research into prevention programs
– Improving policing and justice system practices
– Supporting health, wellness and healing initiatives
– Honoring lost women and girls through memorials and commemoration
Government Response
In June 2021, the Canadian government released its Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. This is its plan and progress report in response to the Inquiry’s Calls for Justice. The Federal Pathway identifies over $2.2 billion invested in initiatives related to the Calls for Justice under four priority areas:
| Priority Area | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| Culture | Supporting Indigenous languages, culture and media |
| Health and Wellness | Investing in mental health, trauma and healing programs |
| Human Security | Improving policing and justice practices; anti-human trafficking efforts |
| Socioeconomic Development | Funding for education, housing, child services, skills training |
The Federal Pathway maps out over 300 current and planned initiatives. However, many advocates say substantial work remains to fully implement the Calls for Justice. The government must address the inquiry’s findings of persistent racism, sexism and failures in the justice system. Indigenous-led solutions and grassroots initiatives are critical. Commemorating missing and murdered women through activities like the Red Dress Project helps ensure they are not forgotten. It reminds Canadians that we all have a role in ending this ongoing injustice.
The Importance of the Red Dress Project
The Red Dress Project provides a powerful symbol of Canada’s stolen Indigenous women. It conveys a message no words can fully capture. The striking blood-red dresses evoke women’s spirits and the horrors of violence. Each empty dress tells the story of a lost sister, mother, daughter or friend. The project connects us emotionally to the real human losses. It creates space for families to grieve and honors the uniqueness of each woman. The Red Dress Project will remain significant for Indigenous communities until this violence ends. It insists Canada confront the ongoing impacts of colonialism. The installation compels people of conscience to demand justice, healing and real reconciliation.
Conclusion
The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women is a travesty that shames Canada. Thousands of women were lost to racist violence and indifference. The Red Dress Project insists we bear witness to their stories. It calls us to critical self-reflection and action. By confronting hard truths, we take the first steps on the path of justice and healing. The spirits of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls will not rest until racism and misogyny cease in our communities and justice systems. As the red dresses remind us, we all have a role to play in writing a new future. It starts by honoring those lost, supporting those left behind, and respecting Indigenous-led solutions. We can build a Canada where Indigenous women’s lives and dignity are valued, and their voices heard, heeded and respected.
