Red Dress Day: Minister Sawhney
Press Release
May 05, 2026
Minister of Indigenous Relations Rajan Sawhney issued the following statement on Red Dress Day:
“Today, and every day, people across Alberta and Canada continue to feel the pain and absence left by missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus people. Red Dress Day makes that absence visible and calls all of us to support survivors, families and loved ones.
“Red Dress Day is a public acknowledgement of lives stolen and families changed forever. This day calls on us to confront the racism, misogyny and systemic barriers that continue to put Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus people at undue risk.
“How people talk about this crisis matters. Public discussion about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus people must not be minimized, but grounded in care, respect and understanding – because this is about real people and real lives.
“Alberta’s government is focused on action, guided by Indigenous communities, organizations and survivors, including through the Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Plus People. This includes advancing the Alberta Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Roadmap and Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence, alongside strengthening supports to combat human trafficking and help people find safety.
“Families, survivors and Indigenous advocates have carried this work for years, turning grief into leadership, accountability and change.
“On Red Dress Day, I am asking people in Alberta to act in ways that are real and practical, learn what this day stands for and share that learning, listen to Indigenous voices and attend community events and support survivors, families and loved ones of the missing and murdered and challenge dismissive comments when you hear them. Learn the warning signs of gender-based violence and human trafficking and know where to turn for help.
“Take time today to honour the lives represented by the red dresses, with compassion, with respect and with a commitment to prevent further harm.”
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