Red Dress Day Analysis

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The missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada is a crucial crisis that has been disregarded by the Canadian Government. Aboriginal women account for below 5% of Canada's population, yet make up 24% of female homicide victims. Statistics show that aboriginal women are a minority, yet hold one of the highest percentages of homicides in Canada's community. These homicide cases have been rising due to the racist, misogynistic, and stereotypical views expressed towards Aboriginal women and girls. Despite the gruesome evidence proving this matter's importance, the government has failed to properly touch upon this issue. They have been releasing inaccurate statistics, feigning ignorance to aboriginal peoples concerns, and have barely grazed …show more content…
Rather than support from the government, many of the initiatives to support Aboriginal women have been shown awareness by other women, civil rights activists, and communities. The mistreatment of Aboriginal women we have and continue to see today, is now being brought to light and becoming an important part of Canadian history. Red Dress Day, also commonly referred to as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spirit people, is commemorated May 5th. This day brings awareness to all Aboriginal women that have been subjected to inappropriate violence in Canada. Red Dress Day is inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s art installation, which was an art exhibit where she hung up empty red dresses. This signified the many missing and murdered Aboriginal women, who would never get to share their stories, and get the justice they deserve. Jaime Black described her work with the phrase, “Through the REDress Project, the spirits of the missing or murdered women and girls stand with us here today, giving us courage, strength and clarity — leading us forward on the path to REclaim our sovereignty as indigenous women.” This installation grew famous fast, and has now turned a small project into a worldwide day of awareness. This day is now a part of the history books, and will continue to be documented as time passes. The perseverance Aboriginal women have shown is now allowing them to raise their voices, and bring awareness to all of the victims of disproportionate violence targeted at Aboriginal women. They have grown their community, and now are able to achieve their demands being met, through the many confident voices Aboriginal women have shared when speaking up about the unjust treatment they have been shown. Aboriginal women, and activists have done what the Canadian Government failed to