REDress Day being recognized in Victoria Park
May 5 is REDress Day, which is held annually to raise awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two spirit+ people in Canada.
An event was held in Victoria Park in London, Ont. to recognize the day.
REDress Day is a time for remembrance, advocacy, and bringing awareness to the systemic issues leading to violence towards Indigenous People across Turtle Island and beyond.
“We are really pleased to be here today, along with our community partners, and helping to amplify the voices of those community partners and advocating for our Indigenous sisters,” said Jennifer Martin, donor stewardship and events coordinator for My Sisters’ Place.
Activities at the event were centered around bringing the community together by providing a space for education, advocacy and remembrance.
Some of the day’s events included an open mic for community members to tell their stories, a drum group, community art pieces and more.
Information booth, Indigenous vendors, and the REDress Project were displayed throughout the park.
Even organizer Tiffany Zub, who is a mental health and addictions councillor at Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Center (SOHAC), said it’s important to continue gathering yearly.
“We gather to bring awareness, and not let the memory of these women, girls and vulnerable people fade away,” said Zub.
Zub said city councillors have been initiating conversations with the Indigenous community, “They’ve been becoming more and more present, they’ve started to meet with us, and say sure we’ve got these strategic plans, but where [can] some [more] action can be put into place.”
“Being indigenous, I feel like it is more important to instil more safety measure for our little girls so that way they know what to do in certain situations,” said Shelby Phillips, Miss Onieda 2023-24.
—With files from CTV News London's Reta Ismail
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Israeli attack on Rafah tent camp kills 45, prompts global outcry
An Israeli airstrike triggered a massive blaze killing 45 people in a tent camp in the Gaza city of Rafah, officials said on Monday, prompting an outcry from global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court ruling to halt Israel's assault.
A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor fatally shot in Los Angeles
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while interrupting thieves Saturday, according to his agent and CNN affiliate KABC.
Kingston, Ont. tenants fed up with lack of action from landlord over broken floor tiles
Joel Felder and Misti Pitcher have been living in their apartment in Kingston, Ont. for over two years, but the past 12 months have been miserable.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
U of T protesters don't plan to pack up, will hold rally at eviction deadline
Pro-Palestinian protesters who have been camped out at the University of Toronto for weeks say they have no plans to honour the terms of a trespass notice issued by the school and clear the demonstration site by 8 a.m. today.
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.