'We deserve justice': Red Shirt Day events in downtown Winnipeg honor MMIWG2S+

Manitobans gathered for events in Winnipeg on Sunday, Red Shirt Day, a nationally recognized day to raise awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people.

Many have lost a loved one while reflecting on the changes that still need to be made to keep people safe. Some reflected on the announcement of the long-awaited Red Shirt Alert System to prevent deaths and increase safe reunions with loved ones.

This system is funded by money allocated in this year's federal and provincial budgets.

“I think it's great, it's about time,” Julie Dean said at an event Sunday afternoon at The Forks, where people affected by MMIWG2S+ shared their stories and drummers and dancers gathered.

“Maybe it will stop, maybe the madness and killing will stop.”

Others are optimistic about the warning system, but also want the province and the country to be more proactive in protecting Indigenous women.

“We have the most vulnerable women disappearing left and right because there are no services for them,” said Melissa Robinson, the cousin of Morgan Harris, who police believe was a victim of her killers.

“That's why we have to do better, not just in Manitoba, but as a country.”

Kira Wilson, former chief of the Long Plain First Nation, said the Red Dress Alert system is a resource that has been needed for some time, but also echoed Robinson's sentiments.

“It's something we hear over and over again with so many different systems that negatively impact Indigenous lives, we need to talk about prevention and talk about what we need to do to be proactive instead of reactive.”

Hundreds of people are expected to march downtown on Sunday. The fourth annual MMIWG2S+ Walk for Justice is expected to begin at 6pm at The Forks' Oodena Circle.

Lucy Menow of the House Cree Nation in Norway has been participating in the walk for four years and is honoring her childhood friend. Hillary Angel WilsonIn 2009, she was 18 when her body was found near a highway outside Winnipeg.

Police have ruled her death a homicide, but no arrests have been made.

“I grew up with Hillary, and when I heard about her passing, it was devastating,” Menov said.

Her death made Menov afraid to move to Winnipeg, and even though she's lived here for more than 10 years, she says she still feels unsafe.

“Everywhere I go, I'm always a target just by being a local woman,” she said.

He also walks for his niece Grace, who was killed by a drunk driver last year.

“He deserved justice, we deserve justice,” he said.

NDP announces endowment fund

The provincial government has announced a new $15 million donation to support MMIWG2S+ families in celebration of Red Shirt Day.

Funds raised from the endowment will be used to provide grants that MMIWG2S+ families can apply for. The initial investment is expected to be up to $750,000 per year, the province said in a press release Sunday.

The fund is administered by the Winnipeg Foundation.

The program's first enrollment is expected to begin in 2025, and the province plans to work with families. Matriarch Circle and community partners to determine grant eligibility, the news release said.

Sagkeeng First Nation representative Myrna Abraham was at the announcement.

Her older sister Sharon was reported missing in January 2004, and later that year her DNA was found on the farm of notorious serial killer Robert Pickton. The remains of 33 women, including Abraham, were found on his farm.

Abraham said he could benefit from the charity along with families facing financial difficulties while searching for a missing family member.

“It will help families who are looking for a family right now,” he said. “It's every day, you look on Facebook, you see families gone missing or a man or a woman or two spirits and it's so sad to have a target on our backs.”

“It really helps with financial relief, basically when you're searching or when you need to … leave your home community to look for family members, and that's a relief.”

The University of Winnipeg celebrated Red Dress Day with its 19th annual graduation celebration.

Harmony Williams, daughter of Jana Williams, who was murdered in 2021, was invited to the event.

“When I go on stage today, I'll be thinking about my mom,” he told CBC News before the performance.