BRAMPTON, ON — The City of Brampton will mark Red Dress Day on May 5, 2026, with a powerful series of public installations across the city, inviting residents to reflect, remember and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities affected by the ongoing national crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People.
Inspired by The REDress Project by Métis artist Jaime Black-Morsette, the installations will feature red dresses displayed in prominent public spaces, symbolizing lives lost, lives missing and the profound absence felt by families and communities. The main installation will be unveiled at Ken Whillans Square on May 5 at 10 a.m., where it will remain on display until May 29.
Additional installations will be placed throughout the city, including at Brampton Fire Headquarters and stations, the Youth Hub at Susan Fennell Sportsplex, Flower City Community Campus and key Brampton Transit terminals, creating multiple spaces for reflection and awareness across the community.
Observed annually, Red Dress Day serves as both a memorial and a call to action, highlighting the devastating impacts of colonialism and gender-based violence on Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit individuals. The City’s recognition of this day aligns with its ongoing commitment to reconciliation and its 2023 declaration recognizing gender-based and intimate partner violence as an epidemic.
Mayor Patrick Brown emphasized the importance of remembrance and action, noting that Red Dress Day is an opportunity to honour those lost and missing while acknowledging the deep grief carried by families. He reaffirmed the city’s commitment to advancing reconciliation, raising awareness and supporting meaningful efforts to address systemic issues facing Indigenous communities.
Rowena Santos highlighted the installations as a powerful visual reminder of the urgency to address this crisis, stating that creating spaces for reflection helps strengthen collective responsibility toward healing and justice. Navjit Kaur Brar echoed the call for continued action, stressing the importance of centring Indigenous voices and working toward a more inclusive and equitable society.
The initiative is being delivered in partnership with The Indigenous Network, Algoma University and Peel Regional Police, reflecting a collaborative approach to raising awareness and supporting community engagement.
Since launching its Equity Office in 2021, the City of Brampton has taken steps to align its work with the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Through initiatives like Red Dress Day, the city continues to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and promote understanding, respect and accountability.
Residents are encouraged to visit the installations, take time for reflection and engage in ongoing conversations that support awareness, healing and justice.