Red Dress Day

On May 5th, people in Canada and in The United States recognize the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. This day is set aside to remember the many lives lost due to the persistent violence against Indigenous women and girls. The long-standing crisis of missing and murdered women and girls disproportionately negatively impacts indigenous communities across North America. Over 5,700 Indigenous women and girls were reported missing or murdered in the United States in 2018, according to a report by the Urban Indian Health Institute. Today is a reminder of the critical importance of taking action to alleviate this crisis and provide aid to Indigenous communities.

Reading and discussing works that give voice to Indigenous women and girls who have been murdered is one way to remember those who have been taken from us. Understanding the effects of colonialism, racism, and violence on Indigenous peoples' lives can be challenging without first learning about their histories, cultures, and struggles through literature. When more people read books written by Indigenous people, we can help spread their stories, dispel myths, and develop more compassion.

In memory of Indigenous women and girls who have been missing or murdered, we recommend the following works by Indigenous authors:

The Round House by Louise Erdrich

Call Number: PS3555.R42 R68 2012

ISBN: 9780062201485

Publication Date: 2012-10-02

This award-winning novel follows a teenage boy named Joe as he seeks to solve the mystery of his mother's brutal attack on a reservation in North Dakota. The book explores the complexities of tribal jurisdiction and the legacy of violence against Indigenous women, while also offering a poignant portrayal of family, community, and resilience.

Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot

Call Number: RC552.P67 M3555 2018

ISBN: 9781619023345

Publication Date: 2018-02-06

This memoir is a powerful and intimate account of the author's experiences growing up on the Seabird Island Indian Reservation in British Columbia, and her struggles with mental illness, addiction, and abuse. Mailhot's writing is raw and poetic, offering a profound reflection on the impacts of intergenerational trauma and the search for healing and self-discovery.

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Call Number: E98.P5 K56 2020

ISBN: 9781571311771

Publication Date: 2020-10-13

This book is a beautiful and insightful exploration of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the natural world. Through a combination of personal stories, scientific observations, and Indigenous teachings, Kimmerer offers a vision of a more sustainable and interconnected future, rooted in Indigenous knowledge and wisdom.

By wearing red, hanging red dresses in prominent places in our communities, donating to local organizations, joining calls for justice and reading these books is just one small step towards supporting Indigenous communities and honoring the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. As we observe the National Day of Awareness, let us remember that the fight for justice and healing is ongoing, and that it requires all of us to listen, learn, and act in solidarity with Indigenous peoples.