A new platform has been introduced in Winnipeg, showcasing the narratives of over 400 Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, and gender-diverse individuals who have gone missing or been found deceased in Manitoba. Launched on the National Day of Action and Remembrance for MMIWG2S, the website, known as Red Dress Stories MB, was initiated by Giganawenimaanaanig, a provincial organization dedicated to advocating for policy reform and supporting MMIWG2S+ in Manitoba. The primary goal of Red Dress Stories MB is to honor the lives of the missing and murdered individuals, provide assistance to families and communities, and raise awareness among the public.
A prominent feature of the Red Dress Stories MB platform is an interactive map covering the entire province, featuring red numbered circles and dress icons indicating locations where individuals have gone missing or been found deceased. Alaya McIvor, an advocate and a relative of an MMIWG2S+ person, meticulously gathered data for each point on the map by engaging in conversations with affected families, documenting details such as names, ages, hometowns, and last known whereabouts of each individual. McIvor emphasized the significance of empowering families by amplifying their voices and assisting them in reclaiming their strength and position within society.
Jose Timog, the data analyst and web developer for Giganawenimaanaanig, expressed his hope that the website would serve as a catalyst for positive change by shedding light on the severity of the MMIWG2S+ crisis, thereby prompting policy adjustments and educational initiatives. According to the data presented on the website, there has been a noticeable escalation in the number of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, and gender-diverse individuals over the past five years. From 2020 to October 5, 2025, 61 individuals were reported missing or found deceased, compared to 62 cases documented between 2010 and 2019.
Timog stressed the urgency of educating the public about the escalating rates of Indigenous women going missing or being murdered, underscoring the importance of initiatives like Red Dress Stories MB. He emphasized his commitment to continually updating the website with new stories, including historical cases from past decades. The platform aims to provide support resources for families and survivors while offering links to educational materials such as the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ final report and its 231 Calls for Justice.
The Red Dress Stories website content is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Ojibwe, and Cree. Supported by various organizations and government entities, including the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc., Wahbung Abinoonjiiag, and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, the website symbolizes a collaborative effort to address the issues faced by Indigenous communities. Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, president of the National Family and Survivors Circle Inc., highlighted the significance of the platform in recognizing the importance of Indigenous stories and advocating for their rights to safety and recognition.
McIvor and Anderson-Pyrz expressed hopes that the Red Dress Stories MB website would spark a movement for change led by families and communities, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. They emphasized that the platform signifies the value of Indigenous lives and the imperative need for their stories to be heard and acknowledged.
