May 5th is recognized across Canada as National MMIWG2S+ Awareness Day—a time to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people. Originating in 2010 and inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project, the day is marked by red dresses hung in windows, on trees, and in public spaces—an aesthetic and powerful visual representation of those who are no longer with us.
In educational spaces, this day holds deep significance. Schools and classrooms are not just places where students learn facts—they are spaces where young people come to understand the world, their place in it, and the responsibilities they hold toward others. Recognizing and discussing the MMIWG2S+ crisis in education is a vital part of truth and reconciliation. It encourages students to critically examine systemic injustices, understand the ongoing impacts of colonialism, and foster empathy, respect, and allyship.
By creating space for these conversations, educators help ensure that the stories of those who can no longer speak for themselves are not forgotten. They empower students to engage with real-world issues, to honour Indigenous voices and experiences, and to be part of the change needed to build a more just and equitable society for all.