National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (Red Dress Day) is observed annually on May 5. This day focuses on the disproportionately high rates of violence against Native American and Indigenous women and the historical lack of resources dedicated to solving these cases. It serves as a call for law enforcement, policy makers, and the public to address systemic issues and seek justice for affected families. ¹

See also: National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

History of National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

The designation of this day is closely linked to the story of Hanna Harris, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe who was born on May 5, 1992. In 2013, she went missing and was later found murdered in Lame Deer, Montana. Her family and community advocated for more thorough investigations into the disappearances of Indigenous women, eventually leading to the proposal of her birthday as a national day of remembrance.

In 2017, the United States Senate officially passed a resolution designating May 5 as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls. This legislative movement followed years of grassroots activism by Indigenous communities across North America. Since the initial resolution, the movement has grown internationally and is often referred to under the acronym MMIWG to include women, girls, and two-spirit people.

Why is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls important?

This day addresses a critical gap in public safety and justice for Indigenous populations. Data from the Department of Justice indicates that on some reservations, Indigenous women are murdered at rates more than ten times the national average. Bringing visibility to these figures challenges the historical indifference that has often characterized the official response to these crimes. It emphasizes that these victims are individuals with families and communities rather than just statistics.

Raising awareness also helps highlight the jurisdictional complexities that frequently hinder investigations on tribal lands. By drawing national attention to the issue, advocates push for better data collection and improved communication between tribal, state, and federal agencies. This visibility is essential for securing the legislative changes and funding necessary to provide protection and support for Indigenous people.

• It honors the lives and memories of Indigenous women who are missing or have been murdered
• The day pressures government agencies to improve data collection regarding Native American victims
• Public awareness helps families of victims feel heard and supported by the broader community
• It highlights the need for specialized training for law enforcement working on tribal lands
• The movement promotes legislative changes aimed at ending cycles of violence in Indigenous communities

How to Observe National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Observing this day often involves wearing the color red, which has become the primary symbol of the movement. This choice originated with the REDress Project, an art installation that used empty red dresses to represent missing individuals. Many people wear red because some Indigenous cultures believe it is the only color spirits can see, using it here to call back the spirits of those who are lost.

Educational efforts are another vital part of the observation. Many organizations host webinars, panel discussions, and screenings of documentaries that explain the root causes of the crisis, such as historical trauma and systemic inequality. Individuals can participate by following Indigenous-led organizations online and sharing their educational resources to help spread factual information about the ongoing challenges faced by tribal nations.

• Wear red clothing or a red pin to show solidarity with Indigenous communities
• Attend a local vigil or memorial service to honor those who have been lost
• Read reports from tribal organizations to understand the statistics and legal hurdles
• Share names and stories of missing individuals on social media to keep cases active
• Support non-profit groups that provide legal aid and support to Indigenous families

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Dates Table

1. https://www.niwrc.org/restoration-magazine/february-2020/national-day-awareness-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-may[↩]