Red dresses, heavy hearts and hopeful voices filled Brock University’s halls as students, faculty, staff and community members gathered to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

On Friday, Feb. 14, the Brock community observed Red Dress Day, a solemn yet powerful event held in Pond Inlet.

The day of learning and reflection was organized by the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre in collaboration with Niagara College. Attendees participated in panel discussions, cultural workshops and community conversations aimed at fostering awareness and healing.

Cindy Biancaniello, Director of Hadiya’dagénhahs, noted the growing community presence at the event in recent years.

“I see more community out, which is really impressive,” she said. “We have a whole group, a whole table that’s come from Hamilton today.”

Biancaniello also emphasized the importance of fostering connections beyond political and geographical borders.

“Our community has no borders,” she said. “When I think of Brock University and our students, they’re from everywhere. We extend invitations to everywhere, so it’s nice to see people feel welcome and show up.”

After an opening by Elder Jackie Labonte, the group held a discussion about ongoing violence against thousands of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGTBQQIA) people.

The event raised awareness and encouraged action, elevating the mission of Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project to honour victims and push for meaningful change. As part of the project, red dresses will be displayed across Brock and Niagara College campuses until Monday, Feb. 24 to symbolize both the presence and absence of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people who have gone missing or been murdered.

Biancaniello acknowledged the emotional weight of the day but highlighted how community connections provide support. After lunch, participants took part in guided workshops on friendship bracelets, jingle earrings, beading and rabbit fur earrings.

“The morning is heavy; most people are in tears,” she said. “But this is how we lighten our day. You can hear the chatter around the table right now, and people are healing.”