Honoring the Missing: Pitt Meadows’ Red Dress Day Ceremony Amplifies Voices of Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities
A community unites in remembrance, reflection, and commitment to justice on May 5th at Spirit Square during the Red Dress Day event in Pitt Meadows
A Day of Awareness and Reflection
On May 5, 2025, the City of Pitt Meadows hosted a moving ceremony to observe Red Dress Day Pitt Meadows. It honored Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals (MMIWG2S+). Held at Spirit Square, this heartfelt gathering served not only as a time for remembrance. It was also a call to action for reconciliation, equity, and justice.
Learn more on the City of Pitt Meadows’ Red Dress Day Information page.
The Meaning Behind Red Dress Day
Red Dress Day began as the REDress Project by Métis artist Jamie Black. She used empty red dresses to represent the loss and absence of thousands of Indigenous women and girls across Canada. Since then, this powerful visual has evolved into a national symbol for raising awareness and demanding justice.
The initiative continues to gain momentum. Advocacy groups like Amnesty International Canada promote policy change and increased protection for vulnerable Indigenous communities.
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Pitt Meadows’ Community Involvement
The Red Dress Day Pitt Meadows 2025 event featured emotional speeches, ceremonial drumming, red dress displays, and moments of silence. Elders, students, families, and city leaders joined hands. They reflected on the tragedies faced by Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals. The group also expressed their commitment to change.
Local news coverage of the ceremony is available on Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News.
Education and Advocacy: Driving Long-Term Change
The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) reinforces the importance of such public commemorations through educational resources and awareness initiatives. According to JIBC, these gatherings highlight the significance of acknowledging and addressing ongoing violence against Indigenous communities. Readmore
Moreover, the City of Pitt Meadows emphasized that the ceremony is just one part of a broader effort to educate the public and support reconciliation.
Transitioning from Remembrance to Action
Although the event served as a somber moment of remembrance, it also represented a larger movement toward change. Community members pledged to keep the memories of lost lives alive. They continue to advocate for justice and safety for Indigenous people.
Notably, Red Dress Day Pitt Meadows is no longer just a symbolic gesture. It is now an annual platform for change, education, and solidarity.
Closing Thoughts: A Pledge for Progress
In conclusion, the Red Dress Day Pitt Meadows 2025 ceremony was a powerful reminder of the work still needed. The goals are to ensure equity, justice, and safety for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. As awareness grows, so too does the resolve to transform mourning into meaningful action.
By standing together, Pitt Meadows sends a strong message: We will remember. We will act.
Explore how our community engagement and news sections highlight cultural awareness, advocacy, and social justice — from the impactful Red Dress Day ceremony in Pitt Meadows to broader discussions on the role of public commemorations in fostering social change and reconciliation.
