REGINA — Red Dress Day is observed on May 5 each year to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit+ people in Canada.
This annual remembrance traces its roots back to the REDress Project initiated by Métis artist Jamie Black in 2010. Since then, it has evolved into a nationwide movement.
Saskatchewan taxpayers offer $42.6 million over the next three years to more than 34 community-based organizations that deliver critical supports and services to individuals and families impacted by interpersonal violence and abuse.
The 2024-25 budget allotted $800,000 for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ (MMIWG+) Community Response Fund. The fund, with half of the funding provided by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), supports grassroots organizations and communities to develop and deliver projects that help prevent violence and build safety for Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ people. Last year, the MMIWG+ Community Response Fund provided support to 23 projects.
The MMIWG+ Community Response Fund is currently accepting applications. More information, as well as the online application form, is available at saskatchewan.ca/mmiwg-fund.
A support line is available for those impacted by missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ people. For immediate emotional assistance, call 1-844-413-6649.
For more information on the recent announcements for funding to address interpersonal violence, please visit:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2024/april/29/province-commits-426m-in-funding-to-interpersonal-violence-and-abuse-programs.
