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May 5 is Red Dress Day—a day of remembrance and solidarity for the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people (MMIWG2S), and a time to renew the union's collective commitment to justice.
Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people continue to be targets of violence at rates that are simply unacceptable in any society that claims to value justice. In 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls issued 231 Calls for Justice, offering a comprehensive roadmap to confront the systemic causes of this violence. Six years later, too many of those recommendations remain unfulfilled. Insufficient political will at all levels of government means that the violence continues.
The recovery of Marcedes Myran’s and Morgan Harris' remains from the Prairie Green landfill outside Winnipeg is a stark and heartbreaking reminder of the ongoing crisis. While the recovery efforts took far too long to begin, Premier Wab Kinew’s decision to move forward with a search signals what is possible when governments choose to listen, believe families, and act.
Families and the authorities are still hopeful that remains of Ashlee Shingoose, a victim of the same serial killer, can be recovered from another Winnipeg-area landfill.
It is important to raise awareness about this crisis and provide opportunities for members to engage with activists fighting for justice. Unifor invites members to participate in an online discussion on May 5 at 1 p.m. Eastern about supporting MMIWG2s families. Register here.
In the meantime, Unifor locals are strongly encouraged to take part in Red Dress Day events in their communities.
On May 5, and every day: no more stolen sisters.
