Communities across the Lakeland came together on Red Dress Day in powerful displays of remembrance, solidarity and support for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit people and Indigenous families impacted by violence.

From Saddle Lake Cree Nation to Cold Lake First Nations, Kehewin Cree Nation, Bonnyville, Lac La Biche and Cold Lake, walks, ceremonies, educational gatherings and community events helped honour lives lost while calling attention to the ongoing crisis facing Indigenous communities across Canada.

Saddle Lake Walk Draws Hundreds

One of the largest gatherings in the region took place in Saddle Lake Cree Nation, where more than 300 people attended the community’s MMIP walk.

“Over 300 people showed up for our MMIP walk,” Saddle Lake First Nations shared following the event. “What an amazing turnout. The walk was powerful, the keynote was impactful, and the support from the schools and community means everything.”

The event included a community walk, keynote speakers and moments of reflection focused on remembrance, healing and unity.

Ceremonies and Gatherings Held Across the Region

Cold Lake First Nations and Kehewin Cree Nation also joined communities across the country in recognizing Red Dress Day and honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples.

Community members gathered to remember loved ones, support families and continue important conversations surrounding awareness, healing and reconciliation.

At Portage College in Lac La Biche, an intimate Red Dress Day ceremony brought together guests from across the region to share stories, information and reflection.

“It’s a day of reflection, it’s a day of remembering, it’s a day of mourning for so many people, so many families,” said Portage College Cultural and Community Facilitator Robert Rayko.

Rayko emphasized the issue impacts everyone, not only Indigenous communities.

“It touches each one of us. It isn’t just an Indigenous problem. It should touch each one of us in our spirit and our heart, because that person was part of our community.”

Bonnyville Friendship Centre Calls for Action

In Bonnyville, the Bonnyville Friendship Centre shared a heartfelt message encouraging people to reflect on the meaning behind Red Dress Day and the importance of ongoing action.

“Observed each year on May 5, Red Dress Day is a powerful and visible reminder of the thousands of Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit individuals whose lives have been taken or forever changed by violence,” the organization shared.

“The red dress has become a symbol of both loss and presence, representing those who are no longer with us, yet whose spirits continue to be felt in our communities.”

The Friendship Centre said it stands in solidarity with families, survivors and communities while acknowledging “the ongoing impacts of colonialism, systemic inequities, and the urgent need for justice, safety, and healing.”

The organization also encouraged residents to listen to survivors and families, educate themselves about MMIWG2S, support Indigenous-led initiatives and advocate for meaningful change and accountability.

“Every red dress tells a story. Today and every day, we remember them.”

Bonnyville Friendship Centre Red Dress Day display

Cold Lake First Nations Red Dress Day Walk

Saddle Lake Cree Nation – Red Dress Day Walk

Portage College Lac La Biche Campus Red Dress Day display 2026

Red Dresses Symbolize Loss and Presence

Across Canada, red dresses hung in public spaces as part of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People.

The dresses symbolize those who are missing or who have been taken by violence. Empty and still, they represent absence, grief and the devastating impact left behind on families and communities.

The colour red also carries spiritual significance in many Indigenous cultures and is believed to be the one colour spirits can see — guiding spirits home and reminding families their loved ones are never forgotten.

Throughout the day, communities shared meals, gathered for photo displays, listened to keynote speakers and participated in traditional powwow dancing. Every moment carried meaning.

Every step taken was for those who should still be here.

Stepping Stones Highlights Ongoing Violence

Stepping Stones Crisis Society in Cold Lake also shared a message of solidarity while highlighting the realities many Indigenous women continue to face in Canada.

According to the organization:

▪️ 56% of Indigenous women have experienced physical assault
▪️ 46% have experienced sexual assault
▪️ 44% have experienced intimate partner violence, compared to 25% of non-Indigenous women
▪️ 60% have experienced psychological abuse

“These numbers represent real people and the consequences of family violence,” the organization stated.

Stepping Stones Crisis Society said it remains committed to supporting safety, healing and dignity for Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people.

More Than Awareness

Red Dress Day is about more than awareness.

It is about acknowledging painful truths, supporting families and communities and recognizing the responsibility everyone shares in creating change.

Indigenous women and girls make up just over five per cent of Canada’s population, yet account for approximately 24 per cent of female homicide victims. Indigenous men and boys are also disproportionately impacted by violence and disappearance.

Behind every statistic is a loved one. A family member. A friend. A story unfinished.

Across the Lakeland, those stories were honoured.