Calgarians to mark Red Dress Day 2026

Calgarians will be able to observe Red Dress Day, a time set aside to remember missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, during several events this week.

Tuesday marks Red Dress Day, a national day of awareness and remembrance for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit peoples (MMIWG2S+).

In Calgary, families of victims, survivors and allies will gather for an evening of remembrance, healing and awareness.

The sixth annual event will turn the Field of Crosses, along Memorial Drive, into the ‘Field of Red Ribbons’, from 3 to 7 p.m.

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Red dresses, shirts and ribbons serve as a visual reminder of the lives that have been lost, and the ongoing calls for justice, safety and accountability.

According to the Assembly of First Nations, despite only making up 4.3 per cent of the population in Canada, Indigenous women make up 16 per cent of female homicide victims and 11 per cent of missing persons cases involving women.

Tuesday’s gathering aims to uplift the stories and voices of victims and families and honour loved ones. It will include smudging, drumming and dancing, as well as a reading of names, a moment of silence, and speakers.

The Women’s Centre of Calgary is also hosting a sharing circle from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

On Friday, the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary will host a Red Dress Powwow at The Big Four Roadhouse, starting at 5 p.m.

Calgarians are encouraged to wear red to show support and raise awareness.