Red Dress Day is Tuesday, May 5

Red Dress Day is Tuesday May 5^th honouring missing and murdered indigenous women, girls and 2s+ people

On Tuesday, May 5^th, Red Dress Day, Mississippi Mills All My Relations and Ginawaydaganuc Village invite the community to come together in ceremony, remembrance, reflection, and action at the Mississippi Mills Public Library, Almonte Branch.  This day will honour the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people, while also creating space for learning, dialogue, and community connection.

The event will be guided by Elder Barbara Brant of the Turtle Clan, Mohawk Nation from Tyendinaga. Elder Barbara, a board member of Ginawaydaganuc Village, has been an Indigenous educator for twenty-five years and a Truth and Reconciliation advisor to various government departments.  She was one of the Elders chosen to lead the MMIWG2S+ pre-inquiry ceremonies and sessions in 2015 and participated in the launch of the “Reclaiming Power and Place” report. Elder Barbara’s presence at the Mississippi Mills event offers a meaningful opportunity to listen, learn, and engage. Accompanying her will be helper, Dylan Jenkins, an Omushkego-Anishinaabe Two-Spirit Knowledge Keeper and Storyteller

Also joining Elder Barbara will be Elder Ted Silverhand of Tuscarora (6 Nations) who also participated in the inquiry launch and asked to attend the Mississippi Mills event; this indeed is a great honour. Elder Ted is a renowned Seer grounded in essential teachings on Native American Spirituality.  He worked side by side with Rolling Thunder and was influenced by many traditional teachers including Mad Bear Anderson, William Commanda and Dan George.

There will also be representatives from Lanark County Interval House and the OPP bringing their on the ground experience of what is happening in Lanark County regarding violence against MMIWG2S+ people; 4% of Lanark County identifies as Indigenous.

On May 5^th there will be several ways to participate at the library:

• 10 a.m. to noon: Bring a red dress or shirt on a wire hanger to the library to hang in honour of MMIWG2S+.  The library will have age-appropriate books available for adults and children.
• 2 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Drop in to meet and have tea with Elder Ted, Elder Barb and helper Dylan Jenkins.  Join in round table conversation and make a Red Dress pin with Interval House staff.
• 5:30 p.m. and onward: Smudging outside the Library entrance will be available.
• 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Participate in ceremonies provided by both Ginawaydaganuc Village and Mississippi Mills All My Relations to honour MMIWG2S+ people.   Indigenous singing, jingle dancing and storytelling will follow.

Sincere gratitude to the Almonte Library for hosting this event and to Turtle Lodge Trading Post for sponsoring it.

NOTE: If you wish to attend please register with Tickets Please. Attendance for the evening ceremonies is restricted to 60 people.