“In solidarity with family members and loved ones, people across North America hang red dresses in private and public spaces to raise awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
“Higher rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people stem from root causes that need to be addressed. We have heard from Indigenous communities, survivors, loved ones and families about how to address these urgent issues.
“No one should live in fear of violence, yet this has been the reality for too many Indigenous people for generations.
“Alberta needs to be a place where everyone, including Indigenous Peoples, can live free from violence and be treated with dignity and respect.
“We set up the Alberta Joint Working Group to review the Calls for Justice the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls identified. The Alberta Joint Working Group’s research and engagement with families and communities helped clarify actions the Government of Alberta can take to change outcomes for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
“On Red Dress Day, I want families, loved ones and survivors to know we will honour those who are lost by working together to address this crisis.”