Winnipeg, MB – NEWS – On Sisters in Spirit Day, a day of remembrance and action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people (MMIWG2S+), the federal government announced a significant step forward in addressing this national crisis. With a $1.3 million investment, a Red Dress Alert pilot project is being launched in Manitoba, led by Indigenous-led organization Giganawenimaanaanig.
“The violence against Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people has to come to an end,” said the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. “Indigenous voices, grassroots service providers and organizers on the front lines of the crisis have called for action. Canada, Manitoba, and Giganawenimaanaanig are working quickly and closely together to advance the Red Dress Alert and bring us one step closer to ensuring that when an Indigenous woman, girl, Two-Spirit, or gender-diverse person goes missing, action is taken so they can be brought home safely.”
The Red Dress Alert is envisioned as a system to quickly disseminate information about missing Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, similar to Amber Alerts used for missing children. This pilot project will be developed in close collaboration with Indigenous communities, families, and survivors, ensuring that it is culturally relevant and responsive to their needs.
“Giganawenimaanaanig’s deep community connections and history of exceptional work supporting MMIWG2S+ families, relatives and communities makes them an incredible community partner for a Red Dress Alert,” said the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, Manitoba Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity. “We are confident their work to develop a Red Dress Alert pilot will mean a future where fewer Indigenous women, girls, 2Spirit and gender-diverse people go missing in Manitoba, and where community and government will be better able to respond in a coordinated, meaningful manner.”
Giganawenimaanaanig, formerly known as the MMIWG2S+ Implementation Advisory Committee, translates to “we all take care of them.” The organization is well-positioned to lead this critical initiative, having extensive experience working with families and communities affected by the MMIWG2S+ crisis.
Sandra DeLaronde of Giganawenimaanaanig emphasized the urgency of this work: “The Red Dress Alert Pilot Project, to be designed and led by community and families, represents a vital opportunity to save lives and create a safer province. By responding swiftly and incorporating lived experiences, this is an opportunity to protect those most vulnerable and targeted in our society.”
This pilot project is a direct response to calls for action from Indigenous communities and families who have lost loved ones. It builds on extensive engagement sessions held across Canada, gathering input from National Indigenous Organizations, regional organizations, technical experts, family members, survivors, and grassroots service providers.
The development of the Red Dress Alert is a crucial step towards addressing the ongoing tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. It represents a commitment to working together to create a safer future for all Indigenous people in Canada.
