On May 5, the City of Grande Prairie joins the rest of the country in recognizing the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2+) in Canada, or Red Dress Day.

We take time today to honor the lives lost and impacted due to colonial violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people and remember our commitments to Truth and Reconciliation for addressing the disproportional challenges Indigenous communities face. 

Through the City’s Strategic Priorities of Inclusive, Caring Community and the endorsement of our Indigenous Relations Framework, we recognize our community is built stronger when everyone is supported and has equal opportunity to thrive. Together with the Truth and Reconciliation calls-to-action for justice and equality, we believe our community has a future with an equal place for all residents.

Today I want to recognize our community members and organizations making a profound difference in helping us remember our past and create a better future, including the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre who are hosting their Annual MMIW+ 5 km Walk/Run at Muskoseepi Park to commemorate the day as a community.

We also recognize Metis artist Jaimie Black for founding the Red Dress symbol for the day as a visual reminder for us to raise awareness and take action on the ongoing crisis and systemic issues around violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people.

Êkosi Mâka,

Mayor Jackie Clayton