May 5 is Red Dress Day, a day of awareness for the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited individuals (MMIWG2S), and a time to express our deep solidarity with their families. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls has laid out 231 recommendations for ending the violence. The Inquiry’s report calls out the ongoing cycle of violence and systemic discrimination that has resulted from Canada’s colonial past. By ignoring or underfunding support for Indigenous communities, colonial violence has been perpetuated by governments in every region.

The Inquiry’s calls for justice are a guide for all Canadians, organizations, and governments to put an end to the violence. Allies must keep up pressure on elected officials to get to work to implement all 231 recommendations.

As a social union, Unifor recognizes that the fight for social justice for everyone goes beyond the bargaining table, and extends to community action. For the second year in a row, we will partner with the Tears to Hope Society to participate in their annual relay run to raise awareness about the women and girls who have gone missing along Northern B.C.’s “Highway of Tears”. This year, Unifor members can participate in a nationwide relay on Saturday, October 5.

More details, including a checklist for Unifor event organizers, shirt orders, and pledge details will follow this summer.

In the meantime, Unifor local unions are strongly encouraged to find May 5 events in your area and participate. A growing list of events can be found on Unifor’s website. Also on the website are graphics to share in your social media channels to amplify the message that violence against Indigenous woman, girls, and two spirited people must stop!

On May 5 and every day: no more stolen sisters.