National Red Dress Day Events in 2026
May 5 is the National Day of awareness and remembrance for the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWG2S), also known as “Red Dress Day,” coined by Métis artist Jaime Black as “an aesthetic response to this critical national issue.”
The ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people is a pervasive form of violence, born out of colonization, that affects every area of life. Across Canada, more than six in ten (63%) Indigenous women have faced physical or sexual assault in their lifetime.
UFCW Local 401 honours the lives and legacies of MMIWG2S on Red Dress Day, and every day. It’s important that we listen to their stories, commemorate their strength and their spirit, and participate actively in the pursuit of healing, change, and justice in any way we can.
To raise awareness and pay tribute, wear red, inform yourself about MMIWG2S, and participate in community events to commemorate this day. Below is a guide to some of the events taking place across Alberta.
Edmonton and Area:
Walk to End Violence at the Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre and Gallery: Sunday May 3, 2026.
The walk begins in Stony Plain at 43 Ave & 27 St and ends at the Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre. Opening Prayer at 11 am, and the walk begins at 11:30 am. There will be speakers and a closing fire ceremony.
National Red Dress Day: May 5, 2026.
Bring your drums and your signs, and wear red. 8 am – Pipe ceremony at the Legislature building. 11 am – meet at Beaver Hills house Park (10440 Jasper Ave). Noon – Walk from Beaver Hills House Park to the Legislature building with lunch served at 1 pm. Sharing and caring to follow.
National Red Dress Day Vigil Walk at Alberta Avenue Community Hall: May 5, 2026.
3 pm – Starting at the Alberta Avenue Community Hall, 9210 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, ending at the Eastwood Community League, 11803 86 St NW. Wear Red.
Calgary and Area:
MMIWG2S Awareness Event: May 2, 2026.
1-3 pm at Inspire, 805 Main Street SW, Airdrie.
Mohkinstsis (Calgary) MMEIP Red Dress Day: May 5, 2026.
Field of Red Ribbons at the Veterans’ Memorial site, 200 Memorial Drive NW. Goes from 3 pm to 7 pm.
Sacred Steps MMIWG2S+ Walk: May 5, 2026.
9:30 am – The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland at Holy Gathering Place. Everyone is welcome. This is a 5.2 km walk from The Confluence to Peace Bridge and back.
3rd Annual MMEIP Traditional Pow Wow: May 8, 2026
The Big Four Roadhouse 1410 Olympic Way SE. Doors open at 5 pm, Grand Entry at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome.
Red Deer:
Red Dress Day Gathering: May 5, 2026
10 am to 7 pm – Starting at Common Ground. Please see Urban Indigenous Voices Society for more information.
Grand Prairie:
MMIR 5KM Walk/Run: May 5, 2026
Registration is at 4 pm, walk is at 5 pm, starting at Muskoseepi Park.
WhiteCourt:
MMIWG2S+ and People Memorial Walk: May 5, 2026.
5 pm at Festival Park.
Medicine Hat:
National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+: May 5, 2026.
5 pm at Medicine Hat College.
Fort McMurray:
Red Dress Solidarity Walk: May 5, 2026.
12 pm – Prayers and Connection remarks. 1 – 2 pm – Walk. At Kiyām Community Park.
Hinton:
Red Dress Day: May 5, 2026.
11 am – Walk at Parks West Mall (Bridges). 12 pm – BBQ with speakers to follow. Wear Red.