“This day is significant as it provides a safe and supportive space for participants to learn, reflect and connect.” – Evelyn Dilworth (BA ’24, BEd ’24), Event Co-ordinator at Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre
An Invite To All From Brock University To Join RedDress Day – Wednesday, February 18th
Posted February 10th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
Empty red dresses hung across Brock University’s campuses this week will act as a stark visual reminder of the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+) and the enduring impact still felt in their communities.
The dresses are on display until Wednesday, Feb. 18 at Brock’s St. Catharines and Burlington campuses and the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts downtown as well as at Niagara College’s campuses.
The display is part of a week of community events planned in observance of REDress Day, also known as the REDress Project<https://www.jaimeblackartist.com/exhibitions/>.
Started by Métis artist Jaime Black at the University of Winnipeg, the initiative honours the thousands of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGTBQQIA+) people lost to colonial violence.
It’s frequently observed around Feb. 14 to align with the annual Women’s Memorial March<https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/women-s-memorial-march>.
“This day is significant as it provides a safe and supportive space for participants to learn, reflect and connect,” says Evelyn Dilworth (BA ’24, BEd ’24), Event Co-ordinator at Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre<https://brocku.ca/hadiyadagenhahs/>, which is organizing this year’s events. “MMIWG2S+ is an ongoing tragedy affecting our communities and it is up to everyone, not just Indigenous women, to help change these devastating statistics for future generations.”
Everyone in the Brock and broader communities is invited to come together for a day of remembrance and unity<https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/318719> on Friday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Brock’s Pond Inlet. Hosted by Hadiya’dagénhahs in partnership with Niagara College, the event will include a Jingle Dress demonstration and song, group discussions, hands-on workshops and a complimentary lunch.
In the morning, attendees will engage in small group discussions led by community members to learn more about the significance of the day, the impact that still reverberates through Indigenous communities and ways to meaningfully engage in allyship. Workshops will take place in the afternoon and include crocheting, bracelet making and beading activities.
A live community art project taking place that day will also provide an opportunity to participate in a collaborative, visual call for justice and solidarity.
Brock’s Spirit Bear Entiohahathé’te<https://brocku.ca/brock-news/2022/07/brocks-spirit-bear-receives-traditional-regalia/> will join the day in observance of the upcoming Have a Heart Day<https://fncaringsociety.com/events/have-heart-day> on Saturday, Feb. 14. Organized by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, it advocates for First Nations children’s rights, safety and access to equitable, culturally based services.
Advanced registration for the REDress Day event and the individual workshops is required through University Tickets<https://brocku.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=2742>.
Hadiya’dagénhahs is also hosting a Beaded REDress Pin Workshop<https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/321570> on Thursday, Feb. 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Brock’s Burlington Campus in BBC 284. The free workshop will teach basic beading techniques, with participants creating a pin to wear on REDress Day as a visible sign of support. No prior beading experience is required, and all materials will be provided.
Assistant Professor Lyn Trudeau in Brock’s Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies will be a featured speaker at a gathering on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from noon to 3 p.m. in CRN 207<https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/event/317666>.
Through reflections and group activities, the event will create a respectful space to acknowledge the lives lost, the ongoing violence faced by Indigenous communities and the systemic failures that continue to enable the crisis. It is open to everyone, but registration is required.
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