Red Dress DAy

By Guest Blogger Sarah Lorenz

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.