Indigenous Days of Action

The Women’s Memorial March (W.M.M) is held every year on 14 February, Valentine’s Day, in cities across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States). The W.M.M started in 1992 in Vancouver, B.C, following the murder of Indigenous woman Cheryl Ann Joe. The first Women’s Memorial March began as a small memorial for Joe, but grew to become an annual march to honour all missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The Vancouver march draws thousands of people, while women’s memorial marches have spread to more than 20 cities across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States).

The Day to Honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was created in response to the Women’s Memorial March, first held in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside in 1992. Valentine’s Day has been chosen as a day to hold space and memorialize Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. 

Why do we have a day?

May 5 has been designated as a day to pay respect to the victims, raise awareness of the crisis and call on governments to take action to address the racialized and gendered violence inflicted on Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Why Red Dresses?

Red Dress Day was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project installation, in which she hung empty, red dresses to represent the missing and murdered Indigenous women. Red dresses have become symbolic of the crisis as a result of her installation.

Active Concerns

• Multiple Indigenous women's bodies found in Winnipeg landfill
• Housing crisis and M.M.I.W.G
• Starlight Tours

The Moose Hide Campaign is a nationwide movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians from First Nations, local communities, governments, schools, post-secondary institutions, and many other organizations that are committed to taking action to end violence towards women and children. The official Moose Hide Campaign Day is May 16.

The cornerstone of the Campaign is the moose hide pin. Wearing a moose hide pin signifies the wearer’s commitment to honour, respect and protect the women and children in their life and speak out against gender-based and domestic violence. 

In addition to being a symbol against gender-based and domestic violence, moose hide is also a symbol of undoing the effects of Residential Schools.

Throughout the month of May, pins will be available at the service counters at City Hall, Civic Recreation Complex, Delpark Homes Centre, Donevan Recreation Complex and South Oshawa Community Centre. Community members are encouraged to visit a facility to pick up a pin and wear the pin in May and beyond. 

The Final Report of the National Inquiry led to the National Action Plan being developed to help support all levels of government and communities in their steps to reduce the dangers Indigenous Peoples face within Canada.

• Final Report into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirited plus Individuals
• National Action Plan 2022
• National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
• Our Sisters in Spirit Documentary
• Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 

If you or someone you know is affected by gender-based violence, you can find support lines in your region:

• Crisis lines for those affected by gender-based violence
• Additional support services for those affected by gender-based violence

Women and Gender Equality Canada's Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre maintains a searchable database of information and resources on gender-based violence:

• Federal resources for Women and Gender Equality 
• Provincial and territorial resources for Women and Gender Equality 

• Amnesty International 10 Ways to Be a Genuine Ally to Indigenous Communities
• Dr. Lynn Gehl Ally Bill of Responsibilities
• Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. 7 Tips on Building Relationships with Indigenous Peoples
• Support Grassroots led movements The Moose Hide Campaign

The Survivor Flag, designed by residential school survivors through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, is a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and reconciliation.

This flag honours the experiences and stories of survivors, their families, and communities impacted by the residential school system. By flying the Survivor Flag, we acknowledge the historical injustices inflicted upon Indigenous peoples, recognize the ongoing legacies of colonialism, and commit to a path of reconciliation, healing and meaningful relationship building.

The Survivor Flag serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of listening to and amplifying Indigenous voices, and working together towards a more just and equitable future.

Read more about these elements and Survivors speaking about the significance of the flag.

In partnership with Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle, the City of Oshawa invited community members to commemorate the children lost to residential schools and support healing in Indigenous communities by tying orange ribbons at one of the five memorials across the city. 

Starting in 2021, in partnership with Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle, the City of Oshawa invited community members to commemorate the children lost to residential schools and support healing in Indigenous communities by tying orange ribbons at one of the six memorials across the City of Oshawa. 

Locations:

• Giiwedinong (North Location): Columbus Community Centre 3265 Simcoe St N.
• Waabanong (East Location): Delpark Homes Centre 1661 Harmony Rd. N.
• Zhaawanong (South Location): Lakeview Park 55 Lakeview Park Ave.
• Ningaabii'anong (West Location): Civic Recreation Complex 99 Thornton Rd. S.
• Central location: Oshawa City Hall 50 Centre St. S. 
• Community Location: Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle 863 Glen St.