“You can’t follow the news or look on social media without reading about an Indigenous person who is missing,” says Cindy Biancaniello, Director of the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre. “Unfortunately, this is something that happens every day among our people, and we live in fear.”

That’s the message she wants to keep front of mind as Brock University prepares to observe Red Dress Day this week.

Empty red dresses can now be seen across Brock and Niagara College campuses until Monday, Feb. 24 as a symbolic way to honour the thousands of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit, lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGTBQQIA) people that have been lost to colonial violence.

The initiative is part of the REDress Project, which began as an art installation by Métis artist Jaime Black at the University of Winnipeg. Red dresses were used to call the spirits of missing and murdered women and girls back to their loved ones and to evoke their presence while also reflecting their absence.

Hadiya’dagénhahs has also organized a sold-out day of learning and reflection that will take place in Pond Inlet on Friday, Feb. 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is supported by Brock’s Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement in collaboration with Niagara College.

The day will begin with drumming and song from Department of Dramatic Arts Teaching Assistant Nicole Joy-Fraser and an opening provided by Elder Jackie Labonte. The morning will also include a panel discussion moderated by Indigenous Culture and Events Co-ordinator Aria D’alimonte of Niagara College.

In the afternoon, guided workshops facilitated by community members and the Hadiya’dagénhahs team will focus on creating a variety of items such as beaded lanyards and earrings, rabbit fur earrings and friendship bracelets.

Biancaniello said while the day carries a lot of grief, it also provides an opportunity to reflect and support one another.

“This day carries a heavy burden for the Indigenous community, but when we sit around those tables together, engaging in hands-on activities and conversations, it provides comfort and healing,” she said.