Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, provided the following statement for Red Dress Day:

“Today, our hearts collectively pause to grieve as we reflect on Red Dress Day, a day dedicated to honouring the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals who have been stolen from us. Displaying a red dress is a powerful reminder of the loss that we have experienced, and the thousands who should be standing with us today.

I know that this is a difficult day for families and communities who have lost a loved one. Systemic injustices have impacted our Indigenous communities for generations and led to the tragic loss of too many missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. The 231 Calls for Justice outlined in the report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls stand as a crucial roadmap for meaningful change. These calls are not simply suggestions; they are profound demands for action that must guide our work to dismantle the legacies of colonialism and discrimination.

As Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, I am committed to addressing these injustices. The GNWT remains committed to our action plan, Changing the Relationship which was crafted with community input and those affected by these tragedies. We are taking substantial strides towards addressing the Calls for Justice through initiatives like establishing an MMIWG Advisory Committee and have developed a strategic framework to combat family violence in the Northwest Territories.

Let us stand united across Canada, amplifying the voices of those who can no longer speak for themselves. I implore all Canadians to actively combat violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people by denouncing violence, learning and remembering Indigenous history, respecting and centering Indigenous voices, and being strong allies. It is crucial for Canadians to confront discrimination, support the safety of Indigenous communities, and hold governments accountable for implementing the Calls for Justice outlined in the Final Report.

We must engage deeply with the National Inquiry’s calls, by learning, educating ourselves and others, and urgently working towards a future where Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people are safe, protected and never forgotten.

Today my thoughts are with you, including my own family, and all the families who have lost a loved one. Please know that support is available, reach out if you need help—there is always a hand willing to lift you up. You can contact the toll-free number 1-844-413-6649 or the NWT Helpline at 1-800-661-0844 for support anytime you need.”

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