REDress Day

Textsize

A+ A-

REDress Day

Dear Families and Community Members,

Today is REDress Day, a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, Transgender, and Gender Diverse People (MMIWG2S+). We at the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board pause to honour the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit+ people who have been taken by violence.

We recognize the deep pain and ongoing grief felt by families, communities, and nations across Canada.

This day serves as a powerful reminder of the historic and ongoing injustices that Indigenous Peoples—particularly women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals—continue to face, rooted in the legacies of colonialism, racism, and gender-based violence.

From the trauma of residential schools to the continued crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, these truths must be acknowledged with honesty and care.

At HWDSB, we are committed to fostering environments where truth, respect, and reconciliation are central to our work. We reaffirm our responsibility to learn from Indigenous voices, honour lived experiences, and act in ways that support Indigenous Cultural Safety, dignity, and justice for all Indigenous Peoples.

We invite students, staff, families and community to join us in reflection and to engage in learning today and every day as part of our shared journey toward a restorative education system.

And as we reflect on our own re-education, I would like to uplift the powerful words of Elizabeth Doxtater:

“We gather our minds

To send a thanksgiving prayer

For the women in our lives

To show that we care

We pray that you’re happy

Have a safe home to stay

You’re heard and respected

And loved everyday

We pray you’re protected,

You’re supported to learn

That you chose your own goals

Because it’s your turn

To be independent

And Good-minded for growth

As leaders and helpers

Because now you are both

Our prayer is for you

From the time of your birth

You will be without fear

As you walk on the Earth

We send our thanks

And now our prayer’s done

But our caring continues

And our minds are now one”.

This poem was generously provided by Elizabeth Doxtater, Six Nations artist, Day School Survivor, Íhsta/Auntie, Critical Friend and Witness. In peace, friendship, respect, and love, we extend gratitude and appreciation for these good-minded words.

In reflection, action, and solidarity,

Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Director of Education

Additional Resources:

Updated on Monday, May 05, 2025.

Report