Wiikwemkoong observed Red Dress Day by teaching youth about safety and interconnectedness. Speakers shared traditional teachings, police safety tips, and "My Sister’s Toolkit" to protect young people.
WIIKWEMKOONG—Wiikwemkoong’s Child and Family Services Cultural Department honoured Red Dress Day on May 5 in a powerful way. They chose to invite youth to their event. Red Dress Day, held every May 5, is a National Day of Remembrance and activism honouring the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S+).
Hazel Fox, community wellness coordinator and organizer of the event, directed her talk to the invited students, weaving together safety practices with traditional Indigenous teachings. ‘We are all connected’ was her theme and her focus. In fact, the icebreaker portion of the morning, presented by Leanne Peltier, proved this point as everyone gathered in a circle and shared what, where or who was their safe place. As each person spoke, they accepted the large ball of colourful string, holding onto a strand before passing the ball on to the next speaker. The complicated web that joined everyone together at the end of the exercise, proved the point - we are all connected.
Subscribe now and have access to all our stories, enjoy exclusive content and stay up to date with constant updates.