Honouring lives and committing to change on Red Dress Day

On behalf of York Regional Council and The Regional Municipality of York, we recognize Tuesday May 5, 2026, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people, also known as Red Dress Day. 

Red Dress Day is a time to remember and honour the Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people whose lives have been lost to colonial and gender-based violence. It is also a time to stand with grieving families and communities, and to reaffirm our shared responsibility to take meaningful action.

We stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples across York Region and Canada. We encourage residents to learn more by reading the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which outlines 231 Calls for Justice. These calls provide a clear path forward to address the root causes of violence and advance safety, equity and justice.

Regional Council remains committed to creating welcoming and inclusive communities. We will continue to work alongside Indigenous partners through listening, learning and taking action in support of truth, reconciliation and lasting change.

In recognition of Red Dress Day, the clock tower at the York Region Administrative Centre in the Town of Newmarket will be illuminated red to honour and remember those who are missing and those whose lives were taken.

Red Dress Day may be triggering for some people. A national, toll-free, 24/7 support line is available for anyone who requires emotional assistance related to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. For assistance, call 1-844-413-6649 or visit Contact | MMIWG 

Eric Jolliffe
York Region Chairman and CEO

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Media Contact: 
Corporate Communications, The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675, ext. 71234 
[email protected]