2 Ottawa events scheduled to mark Red Dress Day

Two events in Ottawa are being organized around the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, also known as Red Dress Day, which is May 5.

First, a candlelight vigil will be held Friday for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and two-spirit Indigenous people, organized by the urban Inuit non-profit Tungasuvvingat Inuit.

The event is meant to honour their lives, strength and resilience as well as their families, the organization’s social media post said.

“This vigil is a space to remember those we have lost, reflect on their stories, and stand in solidarity with their families and communities,” the social media post said.

Friday’s candlelight vigil will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Annie Pootoogook Park, 250 Somerset St. E. in Ottawa. Bus tickets for community members will be available on arrival, as well as lunch, snacks and refreshments.

Annie Pootoogook was a celebrated artist who was found dead on the shore of the Rideau River in Ottawa in 2016. She was 46 years old.

Then on Monday, multiple Red Dress Day performances and speakers are scheduled for an event at Jean Pigott Place, located near Ottawa city hall, at 110 Laurier Ave. West, hosted by the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition.

Starting with a sacred fire lighting at 10 a.m., it will also include an honour song performed by the Hand Drumming Group at 1:15 p.m.