NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF PELHAM
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In observance of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit Peoples, the flags in the Town of Pelham have been lowered to half-mast and will remain lowered until May 6, 2024.
May 5th marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit Peoples. It is also known as Red Dress Day. It is a day to build awareness, provide education about, and honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit Peoples. Residents are encouraged to take time to pause, reflect and learn more about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit Peoples and the REDress Project.
Red dress installations continue to be used to bring awareness to the day and are based on the 2010 installation which was developed by Metis artist Jamie Black. The use of red dresses in the display is to represent missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Learn more about the red dress installation project here: The REDress Project – Jaime Black (jaimeblackartist.com)
A REDress installation is currently on display at the Meridian Community Centre.
The Government of Canada has set up a national, toll-free crisis line, to provide support for anyone affected by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people who need immediate emotional assistance. This line is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Service is available in English, French, Cree, Anishinaabemowin (Ojbiway) and Inuktitut.
Please call 1-844-413-6649 if you or someone you know needs help or support.
Additional resources are available at:
The Native Women’s Association of Canada – MMIWG & Violence Prevention
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
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