The City of Brampton marked a poignant observation of Red Dress Day at Ken Whillans Square, Brampton City Hall, to remember and honor the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). This day of remembrance, first observed in 2010, continues to highlight the grave issues of racial and gender-based violence that have disproportionately affected Indigenous communities across Canada.
Throughout May, the City of Brampton, in collaboration with The Indigenous Network and Peel Regional Police, will host an evocative art installation inspired by The REDress Project. This installation at Ken Whillans Square, located at 2 Wellington Street West, will be available from May 2 to May 31, 2024. It aims to draw public attention to the ongoing epidemic of violence against MMIWG2S and underscore the urgent need for substantive action to address this crisis.
Mayor Patrick Brown expressed his commitment to the cause: “Today we stand in solemn recognition of the injustices faced by Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. This installation not only commemorates those we have lost but also reaffirms our commitment to fighting the systemic issues that continue to plague these communities.”
Regional Councillors Rowena Santos and Paul Vicente, representing Wards 1 and 5, also shared their perspectives. “As representatives of Brampton, it is our duty to ensure that our actions and policies reflect our dedication to these communities,” said Councillor Santos. “Today’s installation is a stark reminder of the urgent work ahead of us. It’s a call to action for all of us to protect and honor the lives of Indigenous individuals who face these devastating realities daily.” Councillor Vicente added, “This installation serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains in our pursuit of justice and equality for all, especially the most vulnerable.”
Councillor Navjit Kaur Brar commented on the significance of the installation: “The Red Dress Installation is not just a symbol but a powerful statement against the violence faced by Indigenous communities. It’s essential that we continue to support initiatives like these that bring visibility to such critical issues. Each dress hung here represents not just a loss but also our collective failure to protect the most vulnerable. We must change this narrative through persistent effort and awareness.”
The REDress Project, initiated by Métis artist Jaime Black, was inspired by a similar movement in Bogotá, Colombia. It uses the symbol of the red dress to mark the absence of thousands of Indigenous women and calls for justice and awareness. Over 300 dresses were donated in the project’s first year, demonstrating widespread community support.
In line with its commitment to addressing these critical issues, the City of Brampton endorsed the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 2015 report and the Calls to Justice from the 2019 National Inquiry into MMIWG. The city has also declared gender-based and intimate partner violence an epidemic, reinforcing its pledge to foster meaningful engagement and education on these pressing matters.
Lori Campbell, Associate Vice-President for Indigenous Engagement at the University of Regina, highlighted the pervasive nature of this crisis: “The chances are that if you know an Indigenous person, they’re related to someone who’s gone missing or murdered. That’s how common this is.”
The City of Brampton remains dedicated to working alongside Indigenous communities, regional partners, and educational institutions to create a safer and more inclusive society through education, awareness, and proactive change.