May 5 is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People.
To acknowledge the day, the Hamilton Public Library (HPL) is displaying 21 red dresses, symbolizing the “all-too many Indigenous women and girls in Canada harmed by violence.”
The dresses, part of an exhibit called "Missing", represent the stories of 12 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and LGBTQIA+ people, along with their stories.
The dresses will be displayed in the first floor living room at HPL’s main branch from May 1 until May 15. It is a project between the library and the city's Indigenous Relations team.
The library says it is an opportunity to reflect on the national epidemic and come together in solidarity with Indigenous Women, Girls and LGBTQ2S+ people.
A special ceremony honouring the upcoming day of awareness will be held at HPL’s central location in downtown Hamilton, from noon until 12:30p.m.
On Sunday, May 5, HPL will hold a minute of silence at 12p.m. at the central location as well.
