#justice for MMIWG2S

[harmonyhealinghub]

Red Dress Day: Honouring Memories and Raising Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People

May 6, 2024

Shaina Tranquilino

In Canada, Red Dress Day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing crisis surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people (MMIWG2S). This solemn occasion, marked by the hanging of red dresses in public spaces, symbolizes the lives lost and the urgent need for justice and systemic change. As we commemorate Red Dress Day, it's crucial to reflect on the profound impact of this crisis and renew our commitment to advocating for the rights and safety of Indigenous communities across the country.

The Significance of the Red Dress:

The red dress has become a powerful symbol in the movement to raise awareness about MMIWG2S. It represents the women, girls, and two-spirit individuals who have gone missing or been murdered, their spirits, and the bloodshed that continues to stain the fabric of Indigenous communities. Each red dress hung serves as a silent tribute, a visual reminder of lives cut short and families torn apart by violence and injustice.

Honouring the Memories:

Red Dress Day is a time for reflection and remembrance. It's an opportunity for communities to come together to honour the memories of those who are no longer with us. Through ceremonies, gatherings, and art installations, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike pay tribute to the lives lost and reaffirm their commitment to seeking justice and accountability. It's a solemn occasion but also a chance to celebrate the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities in the face of adversity.

Raising Awareness and Demanding Action:

Beyond remembrance, Red Dress Day serves as a call to action. It's a reminder that the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people is not a thing of the past but a present-day reality. Indigenous women are disproportionately affected by violence and are more likely to experience homicide or disappearance compared to non-Indigenous women. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for systemic change to address the root causes of this crisis, including colonialism, systemic racism, poverty, and inadequate access to resources and support services.

Advocates and activists use Red Dress Day as an opportunity to raise awareness about MMIWG2S and to demand action from governments, law enforcement agencies, and society at large. They call for improved support services for victims and their families, culturally sensitive policing practices, and meaningful efforts to address the underlying factors that contribute to violence against Indigenous women and girls. By amplifying their voices and advocating for change, they strive to ensure that the lives lost are not forgotten and that future generations can live free from fear and harm.

Red Dress Day is a solemn yet empowering occasion that reminds us of the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people in Canada. As we honour the memories of those who are no longer with us, we must also recommit ourselves to the fight for justice, equality, and respect for Indigenous rights. By standing in solidarity with Indigenous communities and demanding action from our leaders, we can work towards a future where every woman, girl, and two-spirit person is safe, valued, and able to live their lives free from violence and discrimination.

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Content warning for discussion of serial rape, murder, and gender-based anti-indigenous violence.

It’s been more than 20 years since police raided the B.C. farm of one of Canada’s most prolific serial killers, but according to Palexelsiya Lorelei Williams, those painful decades have “flown by.” Her cousin, Tanya Holyk, is among more than two dozen women who were murdered or suspected to have been murdered, by Port Coquitlam pig farmer Robert Pickton. The serial rapist — now in his 70s — was charged with 26 murders in the deaths of women who disappeared from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, but only convicted of second-degree murder for six of them.

Continue Reading

Tagging @politicsofcanada

[walterdoodles]

Today is Red dress day. Remember and Honour all of the Native Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two spirits that have gone missing and have been murdered. Most of these cases are never heard in the public and they are sadly forgotten. Today I want to spread awareness for all Indigenous people, I want to share my culture and help others understand the importance of sharing stories from these victims.

I will be donating as well on this day to several sites that support native women and girls. And also a few sites that want to protect ICWA. I suggest you do the same but if you are not financially able to then spread awareness respectfully.🧡🧡

(I’m doing Donation commission 50% of the profits go to NICWA! this post-> https://www.tumblr.com/walterdoodles/719214714265255936/im-opening-up-some-donation-commissions-if-you )

No more stolen sisters

[blackbirdsrest]

Blackbird's Article Roundup

These are the latest articles I've found and boosted on mastodon, and am sharing here for folks who don't keep up with me there. I hid the links for a few more articles behind the read more to keep this post from being too long. First up we have a criminal Justice article that's infuriating but it highlights the terrible effects of Louisiana's three strike laws and stuff pushed by attorney general Landry.

Next up is this article on the refusal of the Canadian Government to search the Prarie Green Landfill where they believe the bodies of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and an unidentified woman, who's been given the name Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe by the Indigenous community, are located.

Next article on the list is one about the need in Canada to develop an integrated wildfire and forest management plan that prioritizes Indigenous knowledge and science in order to limit the destruction of ecosystems.

This article is on the need for air conditioning units in schools due to the intensified heat waves, and the lack of community funding in many districts to address this need.

This last article is on how 85% of polled college faculty members wouldn't recommend going to college in Florida to a student or colleague, and how there's an exodus of brain drain from the state due to the current political climate.

That's all for this article round up.

[mysticalamity]

Hey, y'all 👋🏾 come check out this video regarding missing indigenous women and girls and the connection these disappearances have with the building of pipelines on their land.

[agentfascinateur]

[musicboxgoth]

(WIP) Resources Masterlist

*Note: a lot of these are geared toward American and/or English-speaking populations, my apologies, but plenty of them are global!

GENERAL

End Global Genocides Master Document | Another Master Doc | Tumblr Post - Links to Informational Articles/Websites

Donations: Fundraisers - Gaza, Sudan, Congo, and more | Doctors Without Borders | Care.org | World Central Kitchen | Operation Olive Branch | Islamic Relief USA

Discord: Global Strikes Against Genocide Discord Server

SUDAN

Eyes on Sudan | Sudan Solidarity Collective | Linktree - Sudanese Diaspora Network

Info: 500 days of war... | Sudan War Explained - Interview

Petitions/Letters: Stop Sudan War | Justice for Human Rights Abuse Victims in Chad and Sudan | Stop Arming Saudi Arabia and the UAE to stop the Sudan genocide

Donations: Sudan Funds | Tumblr Masterpost - Sudan Orgs/Fundraisers | Water for South Sudan

ROHINGYA

Free Rohingya Coalition

Info: CNN - Hundreds of Rohingya face drone strikes / ethnic cleansing in Myanmar

Spotify - Rohingya Culture Interview

Petitions:

Donations: Mutual Emergency Aid 4 Rohingya | Emergency Aid for Rohingya Orphans and Disabled Families

TIGRAY

Tigray Action Committee

Info: Omna Tigray - What's happening in Tigray? | Tghat News | UN Article from Sept 2023

Petitions/Letters: Petition - Demand Aid to Tigray | Stop the Tigray Genocide

Donations: Places to Donate for Tigray Tumblr Post | Ahwatna Relief

DRC

Friends of the Congo | Focus Congo | Congo Resources Tumblr Post

Info: DRC: Inside the world's forgotten war | Congo Genocide Explained - Interview

Petitions: No Tax Dollars to Fund Congo Genocide | Halt the Ongoing Genocide in Congo

Donations: SOS Congo (organized by Goma Actif) | IRC in Congo | Action Kivu

KASHMIR

Stand with Kashmir | Kashmir Masterlist Tumblr Post

Info: Kashmir - Paradise Lost (BBC)

Petitions/Letters: Stop Arming Indian Occupation of Kashmir

Donations: KASHMER

EAST TURKESTAN

Campaign for Uyghurs | Uyghur Truth Project | Camp Album Project

Info: Persecution of Uyghurs in China - Wikipedia

Petitions/Letters: Change.org - Uyghur Muslims

PALESTINE

Jewish Voice for Peace | USPCR Stop Gaza Genocide Toolkit

Info: Wizard Bisan, a Palestinian journalist

Petitions/Letters: Not Another Bomb | Amnesty - Demand a Ceasefire | Tumblr Post with Petitions | Ceasefire Now | (JVP) Tell Congress - Arms Embargo Now

Donations: Gaza Funds | Low on Funds Palestinians Fundraisers | Vetted Gaza Evacuation Fundraisers | Arab.org Daily Click | Middle East Children's Alliance

ARMENIA

Learn for Artsakh | Help Armenians Carrd | Artsakh Genocide Action Toolkit

Info: Denying Your History - Armenian Genocide

Petitions/Letters: Petition - Stop Erasing Armenian Culture | International Recognition of Artsakh

Donations: Fund for Armenian Relief | Armenia Fund | CARITAS Armenia | ARS of Eastern USA inc.

INDIGENOUS AMERICANS

MMIWG2S | Indigenous Action | NDN Collective

Petitions/Letters: Stop sterilizing Indigenous women without consent | Free Leonard Peltier

HAWAII

Info: Tourism's Negative Impact on Native Hawaiians | Noho Hewa Film (2008)

Donations: Hawaii Community Foundation

HAITI

Haiti Liberation Google Doc

Donations: Hands Together for Haitians | Haiti Outreach | Hope for Haiti | Twitter Thread of GoFundMes/Donation Links

WEST PAPUA

Free West Papua Website | West Papua Resources/Info Tumblr Post | We Need to Talk about Papua Carrd (last updated 2021 but has good info)

Info: United Nations - Indonesia: Shocking abuses against indigenous Papuans | Twitter Thread of Helpful Articles

Petitions/Letters:

ALSO:

The Kurdish Project

KEEP BOYCOTTING, PROTESTING, AND DOING EVERYTHING YOU CAN! FREE ALL OPPRESSED PEOPLES OF THE WORLD!

If you can't donate, share!

If you have any concerns with the links I've posted, please share! I tried my best to verify everything but please let me know if you are doubtful of something! Also, please please share other resources from people who are directly impacted by these genocides!!

LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16 2024.

[coochiequeens]

The trans cult just have to give themselves another day. And to have this just two days after May 5th which is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is just extra disgusting.

ASBURY PARK, N.J. -- Asbury Park has declared May 7 "Drag Queen Visibility Day."

The proclamation comes after several pieces of anti-drag and anti-trans legislation were proposed across the country.

A day-long festival will be held on May 7 highlighting drag performers.

The proclamation will also be recognized by the governor's office.

May 5 is commemorated as National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The day became recognized in 2017 when Montana Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester responded to the murder of Hanna Harris on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, as well as the cumulation of other murders and abductions of Native women and girls. Since then, grassroots efforts at local, regional, national, and international levels have grown as Indigenous families, advocates, and Indigenous nations continue to call attention to the violence and galvanize action in response to the MMIWG crisis.

We encourage you to join community actions this week to raise awareness and call on governments to be accountable to the injustices and systemic barriers embedded in federal and local legislation that perpetuate this crisis. As Hanna Harris’s mother, Malinda Limberhand, aptly said: “As a mother, nothing will replace the loss of my daughter, but by organizing to support the National Day of Awareness and creating the changes needed, I know it will help others. And Hanna and so many others will not be forgotten.”

7 Actions to Take for National Day of Awareness for #MMIWG

1. Wear red, take a photo, and share it on social media to bring awareness of #MMIWG.

Share a photo. Make sure to use hashtags #MMIW, #MMIWG, #MMIWG2S, #MMIWActionNow, and #NoMoreStolenSisters!

2. Join the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center in these 3 calls to action: 

Urge your Senators to pass Family Violence Prevention & Services (#FVPSA) reauthorization with key Tribal provisions: n8ve.net/Ts6M5

Tag The Justice Department, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, and the US Interior on social media and demand they immediately implement the Not Invisible Act

Tag the Justice Department and the FBI on social media and demand they improve MMIW data collection under Savanna’s Act . #MMIW, #MMIWG, #MMIWG2S, #MMIWActionNow #NoMoreStolenSisters

3. Watch "Voices Unheard."

A short film by Native Hope. Marty Coulee is a Native American entrepreneur living the good life. When her Native American business partner Jess, vanishes without a trace on a business trip to Arizona, Marty becomes a voice for the voices unheard.

4. Watch “Bring Her Home.”

This film follows three Indigenous women – an artist, an activist, and a politician – as they fight to vindicate and honor their missing and murdered relatives who have fallen victims to a growing epidemic across Indian country. Despite the lasting effects from historical trauma, each woman must search for healing while navigating racist systems that brought about this very crisis.

5. Listen to our Indigenous Rights Radio interview with Leya Hale.

Leya Hale (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota and Navajo) is a storyteller, documentary filmmaker, and a producer with Twin Cities PBS (TPT). Her recent film, "Bring Her Home," addresses the epidemic of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women in the United States.

6. Include Two-Spirit Relatives in Awareness of MMIWG2S.

It is imperative to include Two-Spirit relatives in the raising of awareness of MMIWG. Read about the meaning of Two-Spirit to learn about the many intersections of violence that threaten Two-Spirit people. To learn more and give support, visit organizations such as Families of Sisters in Spirit and read this organizing toolkit from the Sovereign Bodies Institute. For immediate help with a case of domestic violence or dating violence, please visit StrongHearts Native Helpline's online Chat Advocacy or helpline (1-844-7NATIVE).

7. Claim free print subscription for NIWRC’s Restoration of Native Sovereignty and Safety for Native Women magazine, courtesy of Urban Indian Health Institute.

[propicsmedia]

British Columbia Highway of Tears Visit https://www.truecrimeandjusticetv.com/ for more videos Learn about the systemic failure to protect indigenous women on the BC Highway of Tears. Full segments now online #highwayoftears #MMIW #indigenouswomen #systemicfailure #aptn #aptnmanitoba #indigenous #mmiw #mmiwawareness #mmiwg2s #mmiwg #mmiw2s #indigenouswomen #murdermystery #BCHighways #Drivebc #truecrimetv #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimestories #justice #crime #crime_news #crimestory #propicscanadamedia

[newsakd]

[ad_1] Descrease article font size Increase article font size The government of Manitoba unveiled two new designs for special licence plates in support of MMIWG2S issues, Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen, the minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), announced on Tuesday. “The tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people is felt deeply across Manitoba and all of Canada,” said Goertzen.“Our government is committed to acts of reconciliation, like these specialty licence plates, and this initiative will allow Manitobans to show their solidarity with the families and communities living with the ongoing grief of losing loved ones.”The designs feature a red dress and a red handprint, representing resistance to violence against women and gender-diverse people in the community. Both designs include ‘MMIWG2S’ in bold, red letters on a red gradient background.“MPI is pleased to produce Manitoba’s newest specialty licence plates in support of this important issue,” said Ward Keith, board chair of MPI. Trending Now Lori Vallow Daybell, mom who killed her kids, handed 3 life sentences, no parole U.S. cycling star Magnus White dead at 17 after training accident Story continues below advertisement “We are proud to be part of the Manitoba government’s commitment toward reconciliation and welcome the opportunity to help raise awareness and funding for MMIWG2S victims and their families.”The licence plates are being introduced following the passage of Bill 204, which received royal assent on May 30.The cost of each set of plates will be $70, of which $30 will be directed to a charity in support of MMIWG2S families.The specialty plates will be available for purchase this fall through Autopac agents across Manitoba, the minister added. &copy 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. [ad_2] Source link

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Dozens gathered around a sacred fire in Winnipeg's North End on Tuesday to remember a Métis woman found dead over a decade ago, after a suspect was arrested in connection with her death. Crystal Saunders, 24, was last seen getting into a vehicle at the corner of Sargent Avenue and Sherbrook Street in Winnipeg on April 18, 2007. The next morning, an off-duty police officer found the woman's remains in a ditch near St. Ambroise, a community about 80 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. Her killing remained unsolved for years, but 42-year-old Kevin Charles Queau was linked to Saunders's death thanks to advancements in DNA technology, Manitoba RCMP revealed Monday.

Continue Reading

Tagging @politicsofcanada

[kayla1993-world]

The head of the Native Women’s Association of Canada says it’s clear there's an ongoing emergency. This is nearly four years after the final report into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls was released. Red dresses are set to be on display across the country Friday to recognize the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People. It has become known as Red Dress Day and the empty garments serve as a symbol of the lives that have been lost. Each year there are more events, rallies, and art displays. Despite increased awareness and an extensive national inquiry, McBride said Indigenous girls' and women's faces have not substantially changed. The inquiry’s final report was released in 2019 and included sweeping calls for change. It found Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing than any other group in Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accepted the findings, which said the crisis amounted to genocide. Sixty-three percent of Indigenous women have experienced violence and nearly half have experienced sexual assault, Statistics Canada said in a report last year. At least 28 Indigenous women in Manitoba have died due to violence since May 2020, said Sandra DeLaronde, team lead for the Manitoba MMIWG2S+ implementation team. The majority were in Winnipeg. A group hung 101 red dresses along a chain-link fence outside a landfill in the Manitoba capital over the winter. Winnipeg police have said the bodies of four Indigenous women were disposed of in landfills last year. The remains have not been found. A man has been charged with first-degree murder in the killings of four women. Other Indigenous remains were also found in a landfill earlier this year. Police said her death was not a homicide. DeLaronde said it's time to recognize that Indigenous people are sacred, and they should not only be honored when they are buried. The House of Commons unanimously backed a motion Tuesday declaring deaths and disappearances a Canada-wide emergency. It also called for funding of a new system to alert the public when someone gets missing. The Association of Canadians criticized the federal government for not doing more or acting fast enough. McBride said Tuesday’s motion was a valuable step, but there is more to do. Most of the money announced to fulfill the 231 calls to justice became stuck in government bureaucracy, DeLaronde said. Women and families who need it are not receiving it. DeLaronde added that all Canadians should use Red Dress Day to reflect on what they can do to create change. "Red Dress is a movement that people can get behind because it's an opportunity to transform the very fabric of this country."

[rjdavies]

Celebrating International Women’s Day: Jaime Black

Celebrating Inspirational Women, Happy International Women’s Day! March 8th.  

Jaime Black is an educator, artist, and Indigenous rights activist. She is a Metis (mixed Anishinaabe and Finnish descent) multidisciplinary artist based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her art practice engages in themes of memory, identity, place, and resistance. She is particularly interested in feminism and Aboriginal social justice and linking these movements through her work. 

Jaime studied English Literature at the University of Manitoba and has an Education degree from The Ontario Institute of Studies in Education. 

Something she had learned from an Indigenous friend is that red is the only colour that spirits can see, which can be used to call the spirits of the lost back to reconnect with their loved ones. The Red Dress Movement, MMIWG2S (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People) Movement, Red Dress Day (May 5th), is a day of honouring missing and murdered indigenous people. It’s a day to raise awareness and educate people. 

An Evening with Jaime Black - (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHCLIsvu9uE)

Jaime Black – Artist (jaimeblackartist.com)

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[willbedeleted]

[rupeeshards]

May 5th is MMIW Awareness day when we wear red to bring awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women, Two Spirit, and Girls. Please check out this carrd for petitions, educational resources, dono links and more https://mmiwresources.carrd.co/

[thatwitchybitchandco]

If you live in the US please take your time to call the White House! Feel free to change up the script or say something of your own! Also make sure to share this post so more people can make their calls too!

You also can check my pinned post for more things you can do to help!

Image credit: @BraidedJusticeCollective on Instagram