Red Dress Day was first observed in 2010 and has since gain momentum across Canada. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
awareness

‘We are here for them’: Red Dress Day observed in La Ronge

May 5, 2023 | 12:54 PM

Red Dress Day was observed in La Ronge on Friday with an honour walk, in remembrance of the approximately 5,000 missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada.

The honour walk began at 11 a.m. at the Lac La Ronge Indian Band office and proceeded along La Ronge Avenue to the urban reserve. Once there, a prayer was held, several speeches were made and lunch was served.

Twitter/Derek Cornet

One of the speakers was local cultural support worker Abby McIntyre, who explained their prayers were for healing, safety and justice for all Indigenous women, families and communities.

“There is a lack of effort when it comes to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls,” she told attendees.

“We, as Indigenous people, know the injustices the families of missing and murdered women and girls have suffered, but a lot of people don’t know how big the issue really is. We are hopeful to raise awareness and support the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. We are here for them, we care for them and we hear their voices. We will not stop helping them until we get some justice for our women and girls. It is our urgent mission.”

McIntyre mentioned before the arrival of Europeans, Indigenous women were considered sacred and they played an essential role in health, education, economy, politics and spirituality in their communities. She noted that dynamic changed through the imposition of European patriarchy, which continues to the present day.

A gathering was held at the La ROnge urban reserve after the honour walk. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

McIntyre also read out the names of some of the women who are missing or murdered including Sheena Billette, Joan Campbell, Rhonda Gardiner, Lily McIntyre, Shirley Maurice and Happy Charles.

Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson was present and she told attendees there is a lot of work being done, but there is still a lot of work left to do. She urged the public to reach out to Crime Stoppers or their local police if they know any information about missing and murdered Indigenous women.

“Today, I want to think about the ones who are missing and I pray we find them, that we have guidance and we have the strength to find them,” Cook-Searson said. “That somebody tells us that information because people know things and we need to come out and share that information. That’s the only way.”

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno

View Comments