Morinville student creates powerful poster for Red Dress Day

By Haylee Winger
A student from Morinville Community High School is using her artistic talent to help bring
awareness to a national issue. Emma Morin has designed a powerful poster in recognition of Red
Dress Day, a day that honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit
people (MMIWG2S).
Red Dress Day is observed annually on May 5. It was inspired by the REDress Project, an art
installation created in 2010 by Métis artist Jaime Black. The installation featured empty red
dresses displayed in public spaces to symbolize the lives of Indigenous women and girls who
have been lost to violence or remain missing.
The school encouraged all students and community members to wear red on Monday, May 5, in
solidarity. The colour red holds special meaning in many Indigenous cultures, symbolizing the
spirits of those who are missing and helping to guide them home.
With the help of young leaders like Emma and the support of schools like Morinville
Community High School, the message of Red Dress Day continues to grow stronger.