On May 5 the Ottawa Catholic School Board will join communities across Canada in observing Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+).
In schools across the OCSB, staff and students will honour the lives of those who are missing, those who were taken, and families and communities who continue to carry that loss. We will acknowledge our responsibility to listen to Indigenous voices, learn and unlearn the truth of colonial history, and take intentional, meaningful steps forward toward action.
This day calls us to remember and to stand in solidarity.
Learning Together
OCSB staff recently came together for a dedicated professional learning session focused on deepening understanding of MMIWG2S+ and the role we play as educators in advancing truth and reconciliation. The learning day centred on Indigenous voices and experiences and provided educators with guidance on how to bring discussions of MMIWG2S+ into the classroom across all grades and subject areas.
Through prayer, reflection, and guided learning, staff explored the on-going impacts of colonialism, systemic racism, and gender-based violence, which challenged us to think about how this learning shapes what we do in our classrooms and schools each day.
The Meaning Behind the Red Dress
Red Dress Day was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black and her REDress Project. The image of the empty red dress has become a national symbol, representing Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who are missing or have been murdered.
Across the OCSB, schools will mark the day in meaningful ways. Students and staff will wear red and take time to learn, reflect, and have important conversations.
Check out Community-Led Events Across Ottawa ›
Our Ongoing Commitment
As a Catholic learning community, we each have a role to play.
We are called to create space for conversation, to honour those directly impacted, and to support students in understanding both the truth of this on-going tragedy and the strength of Indigenous peoples.
This work does not begin or end with one day.
It continues in our classrooms, in our schools, and in how we choose to listen, learn, and act in ways that reflect respect, dignity, and justice.
