Sunday, May 5th was a beautiful sunny day to gather at the Mikwite’tm Garden in Corner Brook to raise awareness in support of Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2 Spirit People.

The gathering started at 1pm with a walk from the Garden up West Street led by children carrying one of the banners that was designed by attendees before the walk. Following the walk, participants gathered for the official opening which included several special guests.  Anne Marie O’Keefe provided an opening prayer; the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation brought greetings on behalf of the province; Quinn Jesso spoke on behalf of the 2SLBGTQQIA+ community and Corner Brook Deputy Mayor Linda Chaisson brought greetings on behalf of the city.  The event also featured the sharing of a poem by Corner Brook Ward Councilor Sherry Dean and music provided by the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association and Paul Pike accompanied by the Men’s Fellowship Circle. Chief Jenny Brake guided the event as Emcee and brought greetings on behalf of council.

“As the first female Chief of Qalipu First Nation and a survivor of gender-based violence, I carry with me the stories and struggles of countless Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who have been taken from us too soon, whose voices have been silenced by violence and injustice. Today, we honor their memory, we stand in solidarity with their families, and we renew our pledge to never forget and never stop working toward a safer future for the next seven generations”.

Chief Brake reminded guests that behind each statistic lies a name and a story. She encouraged everyone in attendance to remember their names—those who have been taken from us too soon—and ensure that their voices are never silenced.

She added, “On this National Day of Awareness, let us recommit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and healing. Let us stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of those who have been lost, offering them our unwavering support and compassion. And let us hold our governments and institutions accountable, demanding concrete action to address the root causes of violence and ensure the safety and well-being of all Indigenous peoples.”

Miranda Osmond is an Education Outreach Officer with Qalipu First Nation.  She was invited to create a mural for Red Dress Day and came up with this impactful mural representing a woman in a red dress.

Miranda shared, “I was inspired by a dream that I had.  I was hovering above Miktwite’tm Garden looking down, like a star.  And I could see her, this tall figure.  She had butterflies in her hair.”

Miranda added that the mural, standing 8 feet tall, represents all those whose lives have been lost.

“She has her back turned.  This is meant to be symbolic of when we smudge behind us to honour our ancestors and those who have crossed over.”

Miranda worked with teachers and children at Xavier Elementary, Stephenville Middle School and J.J. Curling to create artwork that could be added to the mural including butterflies, feathers, and dragonflies.

Special thanks go out to Jonathan Murphy who helped with the construction and the cultural team at QFN who helped to laminate all the kids’ artwork.  Also, to Xavier teacher Petra Snook who saw to it that all classes could participate in the project even though Miranda could not be there every time.

The mural was given the name Beverly in honour of someone who was lost here in Newfoundland.

Beverly’s family members brought the mural home with them after the event, and they will keep her safe.  She will come out again to be a part of the Elmastukwek Mawiomi this coming August 10-11.