Remi Poliquin
Counsel
Honouring Red Dress Day at PACC
submitted by Karina Iemieri
On May 5th, our school community at PACC Vocational came together in a powerful and reflective way to recognize Red Dress Day, formally known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). This important day serves as a time to honour the lives lost, raise awareness, and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities across Canada.
Led by our EDDI (Equity, Diversity, Dignity, and Inclusion) Committee, this year’s initiative aimed to both educate and engage students and staff in meaningful reflection. Red dresses were thoughtfully displayed throughout the front lobby, serving as a visual reminder of the thousands of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who are missing or have been taken too soon. The empty dresses symbolized absence, loss, and the ongoing need for justice.
In addition to the visual installation, the committee provided educational materials to classrooms, as well as on the information screens in the common areas encouraging important conversations about the history of systemic discrimination, and violence against Indigenous peoples.
Students reflected in a moment of silence to honour those that never came home. The EDDI Committee’s efforts reflect PACC’s dedication to fostering a culture of respect, awareness, and inclusion. By recognizing days like Red Dress Day, we take meaningful steps toward education, reconciliation, and collective responsibility.
We extend our gratitude to the EDDI Committee for organizing this impactful initiative and to everyone in our school community who participated with openness and respect.
Together, we remember. Together, we stand for change.
One Response
Thank you for teaching the children awareness and empathy. We need to care about what is going on outside our little worlds