National Family and Survivors Circle Calls on Manitoba and Canada to Fully Implement Red Dress Alert

Press Release

November 25, 2025

WINNIPEG, MB — The National Family and Survivors Circle Inc. (NFSC Inc.) is calling on the Government of Manitoba, in full partnership with the Government of Canada, to immediately commit to the full implementation and sustainable funding of a province-wide Red Dress Alert System.

Families, survivors, and Indigenous communities have long warned that current processes for reporting and responding to missing Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are failing. Delays, inconsistent responses, and lack of trust in policing continue to put Indigenous People at heightened risk.

NFSC Inc. urges governments to:

• Publicly commit to implementing a fully operational Red Dress Alert System, not limited to pilot programs.
• Provide ongoing, dedicated funding to ensure the system is functional across Manitoba by 2026.
• Center Indigenous women, gender-diverse people, families, survivors, and frontline organizations in all decisions regarding the system.
• Address systemic barriers, including distrust of current policing responses, identified by families and communities.

“This is about protecting our people,” said Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, President of the National Family and Survivors Circle Inc. “Indigenous-led alert systems must respond immediately when someone goes missing, support families, and ensure coordination with police and community partners. Manitoba and Canada must move from promises to action. A fully operational system by 2026 is achievable and essential.”

NFSC Inc. remains committed to advocating for the full implementation of the Red Dress Alert.

We recognize that this subject matter may be distressing for some. For immediate support, please contact the national, independent toll-free, 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak with a counsellor in English, French, Cree, Anishnaabemowin (Ojibway), or Inuktitut.

About the National Family and Survivors Circle Inc.
The National Family and Survivors Circle Inc. (NFSC Inc.) is a legally incorporated, non-profit organization comprised of Inuit, Métis, and First Nations women with diverse lived experiences. NFSC Inc. works to ensure that families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, survivors of gender-based violence, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are at the center of all efforts to implement the 231 Calls for Justice, the National Action Plan on MMIWG2S+, and the Federal Pathway.

Website: https://familysurvivorscircle.ca
Media inquiries: annette@sparkadvocacy.ca

ILR5