Red Dress Day is held annually on May 5 to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ people in Canada. (Photo courtesy: humanrights.ca)

By Teena Monteleone

Missing and Murdered

Domestic violence survivor adds voice to Red Dress Day movement

May 4, 2025 | 8:00 AM

Kerry Benjoe knows the devastation domestic violence can cause.

“I’m an amputee. I lost my left leg because of [domestic] violence.”

The journalist, originally from Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, has a successful career as the editor-in-chief of EFN News, a publication that focuses on telling the stories of Indigenous and Métis people in Saskatchewan. Soon, she will be sharing her own story as one of the panelists in a virtual Red Dress Day event being held by the Office of the Treaty Commissioner.

“I consider myself a domestic violence advocate. When the Treaty Commissioner reached out, of course I said yes because I think this is a really important issue that often gets overlooked. Domestic violence is a serious issue that has a far-reaching impact and I think we still have to move past the stigma that this is just a problem between the two people in the relationship,” said Benjoe.

Kerry Benjoe lost her leg as a result of domestic violence. She is pictured here at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre getting fitted for her prosthetic leg cover. (Submitted photo/Kerry Benjoe)

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Red Dress Day, held annually on May 5, is a national day of awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). It’s meant to honor the lives lost and acknowledge a disproportionate rate of violence. Indigenous women and girls make up two-thirds of missing and murdered Indigenous homicide victims in Canada – something Benjoe called a crisis that reflects systemic injustice. The panel she’s been invited to speak on will also broach the subject of how failing to ensure safety for those victims breaks the spirit of Treaty, which promises protection, respect, and equality.

“When you think about the far-reaching impacts of domestic violence, you know the incident in James Smith, when you trace it back, it was from a domestic violence situation and you see the impact that had on the community, the province and Canada. So, when we talk about MMIW, we also need to talk about domestic violence in a broader picture and how its impacting society.”

Benjoe said regardless of their profession or education, marginalized populations, like Indigenous women, fall through the cracks because of systemic barriers.

“I’m a brown woman and I get treated as such and that’s the reality of being Indigenous in Saskatchewan.”

While she acknowledged the work done by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, she questioned how much has actually taken place when it comes to Calls for Justice.

In a press release regarding Red Dress Day, the Government of Saskatchewan said Friday it will invest $31.7 million into interpersonal violence programs and services this year through the Ministry of Justice. Additionally, the province is investing $3.8 million into 16 agencies over the next two years to enhance interpersonal violence programming and support, as part of its partnership with the federal National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

“Our government is working toward a safer future for all by providing funding opportunities to organizations and grassroots initiatives that empower awareness and safety in Indigenous communities,” said Minister Responsible for First Nations Métis and Northern Affairs Eric Schmalz in the release.

There is also $800,000 worth of grant funding available through the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ (MMIWG+) Community Response Fund. It supports initiatives aimed at enhancing safety and preventing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit+ individuals.

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner panel event that Benjoe will take part in happens on Tuesday, May 6 at 2 p.m. Registration for the online event can be found here.

There are several other Red Dress Day events happening on Monday, May 5 including one at the Prince Albert Grand Council’s Cultural Centre at 511 9th Ave. W from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a Saulteaux Prevention Services MMIW Red Dress Day Walk from the Ataskewin Success Centre to North Battleford Library, a Lac La Ronge Indian Band MMIW Awareness Walk starting at 11 a.m. at the LLRIB office, and a walk starting at the Town Square in Nipawin at noon.

A national call line is available to provide emotional assistance related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+. For immediate support, call 1-844-413-6649.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com