WSD schools bring awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people
May 9, 2023 Important Date, News Story
May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People. The day honours and brings awareness to Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people who have been subject to disproportionate violence in Canada. Also known as Red Dress Day, on May 5, individuals are encouraged to wear red or display red clothing.
From tying red ribbons, displaying red dresses, and wearing red, WSD schools are marking this day as one to acknowledge the reasons why it was created, remember and honour those who are no longer with us, and stand together as agents of change.
On April 26th, Argyle Alternative High School honoured MMWIG2S with their inaugural Picnic For Tina event. The Argyle Women’s Group invited the staff, students, and community members to a lunch followed by a walk of solidarity to the monument at The Forks.
Elle Harris (the daughter of Morgan Harris) and Ricki-Lynn Crain (the cousin of Tina Fontaine) oversaw the planning of the event, ensuring that their loved ones were honoured in a respectful way. As part of their own healing journeys, Elle, Ricki-Lynn and their peers designed and made red dress pins. Guests were presented with pins as they were welcomed into the school.
Along with family members, special guests at the picnic included Colin Mousseau (Elder), Bernadette Smith (MLA), Tracy Leost (community member), Angie Tuesday (MMIWG2S WPS advocate), Rachel Veratone (WPS Indigenous team), and Michelle Chubb (TikTok).
After enjoying a lunch prepared and served by the Women’s Group, Colin Mousseau stepped up to lead a prayer. The large group then traveled along the river until reaching The Forks monument for MMIWG2S, where tobacco ties (made by the Argyle Men’s Group) were offered.
The Picnic For Tina was just one of the learning opportunities at Argyle leading up to the National Day of MMIWG2S (May 5th). Outside, the school courtyard highlighted an artful display of red dresses. Inside, all classrooms were provided with a copy of the book If I Go Missing (by Winnipeg teen, Brianna Jonnie) to support their learning. Students gathered again on May 3rd to hear from Rebecca Gibson, co-creator/producer of the Eagle Vision show Taken. On May 5th, a sacred fire will be lit and allow staff and students to come together, offer tobacco, and reflect once more.
