People gather to celebrate Red Shirt Day in Winnipeg

People gathered at The Forks in Winnipeg to mark Red Dress Day, organized by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in solidarity with the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two spiritual figures. The event included drumming, dancing and prayer, allowing the community to honor those taken too soon and remember those still missing. One of the speakers at the event, Geraldine Shingus, supported families and emphasized the need for constant care and love. The gathering was also a platform to renew calls for justice for victims of gender-based and racial violence.

The event at The Forks' Oodena Circle was instrumental in raising awareness of the ongoing issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit figures. By coming together and supporting the affected families, the community has sent a powerful message of solidarity and compassion. Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of providing emotional, spiritual, physical and physical support to these families every day, not just on Red Shirt Day. The gathering reminded that the struggle for justice and recognition of these victims continues and requires continued efforts.

Community leaders emphasized the need for justice for victims of gender-based and racial violence and called for renewed action to address the root causes of these injustices. By coming together for events like Red Shirt Day, people can amplify the voices of families affected by these tragedies and push for systemic change to prevent future incidents of violence. The gathering at The Forks provided a space for healing, remembrance and advocacy, allowing community members to come together in solidarity and challenge the forces that perpetuate violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

The importance of events like Red Shirt Day goes beyond commemorating a single day. These gatherings serve as a call to action for individuals and communities to address the injustices faced by indigenous women, girls and two spiritual figures. By working together with affected families and amplifying their voices, communities can build a collective force for change and hold those responsible for these acts of violence accountable. Red Shirt Day is a reminder of the work needed to address the systemic issues that contribute to disproportionately high rates of violence against Indigenous peoples.

The gathering at The Forks not only provided a space for remembrance and healing, but also sparked conversations about how all members of the community can contribute to the fight for justice. By coming together to honor victims of gender-based and racial violence, people can reflect on their role in challenging harmful stereotypes, advocating for policy change, and supporting affected families. Red Shirt Day is a reminder that everyone has a part to play in building a fair and just society where Indigenous women, girls and bi-spiritual people are safe and valued.

Overall, the Red Shirt Day event at The Forks was a powerful display of solidarity, remembrance and advocacy for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two spiritual people. By highlighting the ongoing struggles of these communities, the event encouraged individuals to take action, stand up against injustices, and support affected families. Through drumming, dancing, prayer and words of support, the gathering at The Forks reminded us of the importance of standing together in the face of violence and working toward a future that treats all people with dignity and respect.