The steps of Ottawa City Hall were quiet this morning in a way that felt intentional—like a shared understanding had settled over the crowd before a single word was spoken. Red dresses, suspended and swaying gently in the breeze, lined the space as people gathered for Red Dress Day, hosted by the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition. Each dress stood as a powerful visual reminder: a life, a story, a presence that should still be here.

Being there today was deeply moving. There was a sense of collective pause—of people setting aside the rush of daily life to bear witness. Elders opened the gathering in a good way, grounding the morning with ceremony and reminding everyone that this day is not only about grief, but also about resilience, memory, and responsibility.

As the program unfolded, speakers shared stories that were as heavy as they were necessary to hear. Family members spoke about daughters, sisters, mothers—women whose laughter once filled rooms, whose absence now leaves an ache that does not fade with time. These were not abstract statistics. They were vivid, personal accounts of love and loss, spoken with courage and a strength that was both humbling and difficult to fully comprehend.

What struck me most was the honesty. There was no softening of the reality facing Indigenous communities across Canada. The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) was named clearly, without hesitation. At the same time, there was also an insistence on remembering these women as more than victims. They were described as artists, caregivers, leaders, and friends—people who mattered deeply and continue to matter.

Throughout the day, music, drumming, and moments of silence created space for reflection. The sound of the drum, steady and resonant, seemed to echo across the crowd, almost like a heartbeat connecting everyone present. It was impossible not to feel it—both physically and emotionally.

I found myself reflecting on how easy it can be to look away from difficult truths, and how important it is not to. Today was a reminder that listening is an action. Showing up is an action. Bearing witness carries weight.

Leaving City Hall, the image of those red dresses stayed with me. They are simple, but they carry an immense message—one that calls for awareness, accountability, and change. The stories shared today deserve more than a single day of attention. They call on all of us to continue learning, to challenge indifference, and to support the work being led by Indigenous communities.

Red Dress Day is not only about remembrance—it is a call to conscience. And after being there today, it’s one that is impossible to ignore.

Odenak sets a new standard for collaboration in urban development by prioritizing Indigenous employment, trades, culture, and housing, it bridges past and future. Reconciliation is action and an ongoing process of respect, recognition, and partnership.
The Dream LeBreton partnership, with guidance from an Algonquin Advisory Committee and Innovation Seven (an Algonquin-owned consultancy), has developed a robust Algonquin Nation Benefits Plan. This plan ensures that Indigenous voices, trades, and culture are woven into every stage of the project—from design and construction to operations and long-term community building.

Key commitments include:

• 5% of construction contracts awarded to Algonquin- and Indigenous-owned businesses.
• 5% of on-site employment hours dedicated to Algonquin and Indigenous workers.
• Ongoing training, advancement, and skill-building opportunities to strengthen Indigenous participation in the trades sector.

These commitments are meaningful opportunities for Indigenous tradespeople and businesses to contribute their expertise and shape the community from the ground up.

Odenak, named after the Algonquin word for community, sits at Akikodjiwan Falls, where the Gatineau, Ottawa, Rideau, and Madawaska rivers meet. For thousands of years, the Anishnabe Algonquin gathered here for trade and connection. It later became the founding site of Ottawa.

The project’s design reflects this heritage. Public spaces were developed with the Algonquin Nation to celebrate culture and storytelling throughout the site. From natural landscaping and biodiversity to Algonquin artworks integrated into the public realm, every detail ties the project to the land’s history. Odenak honours the past while creating pathways for future generations of Algonquin artists, workers, and leaders.