On Red Dress Day 2024 CFB Borden Base Commander and members gather to remember MMIWG2S
At CFB Borden’s north gate flagpole on 6 May 2024, members were gathered by the scent of burning sage and herbs to remember the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited peoples on Red Dress Day.
The flag raising began with a smudging ceremony preformed by Corporal Ryan Gallagher who gave each member an opportunity to partake in the spiritually cleansing tradition, including CFB Borden Base Commander Colonel Jonathan Michaud.
Chaplain Captain Melissa Frankland was present to remind attendees of what Red Dress Day represents and how the national day aims to address ongoing concerns of disproportionate violence towards Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people.
“According to teachings, red is the only colour spirits can see,” Capt Frankland said. “The red dress was selected to represent the spirits of women, allowing them to return and their voices to be heard.”
For some non-Indigenous people, it can be challenging to not feel detached from such an issue, but Capt Frankland’s words allowed for members of all backgrounds to empathize and seek justice for the many families, communities and friends who have experienced such great loss.
“As the red dress moves with the wind it represents the blood, earth and strength of each life, murdered, lost or missing, reminding us of their important place in our families, communities and nation,” said Capt Frankland. “May we be given courage and wisdom in order to take a stand with the murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited persons all for justice, not just on this day, but every day because all life matters.”
Col Michaud took a moment to acknowledge Borden as the traditional territory of many First Nations people and elaborated on how the historical significance of Indigenous people must be connected to Canada’s journey towards truth and reconciliation.
“As settlers, this recognition of the contribution and historic importance of Indigenous peoples must be clearly and openly connected to our commitment to make the promise of truth and reconciliation real and to bring justice for the murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people across the nation,” Col Michaud said.
To encourage members and their families to support the cause and further remember the loss of so many Indigenous communities, Warrant Officer Craig Belliveau announced the launch of the Moose Hide Campaign Day on 16 May 2024 which aims to insight ongoing commitments and actions of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys towards ending the national crisis of violence towards Indigenous women and children.
“Inspired by the land, the love between a father and his daughter, the national crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, the Moose Hide Campaign creates awareness and public engagement for transformation and healing,” WO Belliveau explained. “The Moose Hide Campaign recognizes that all forms of violence are unacceptable regardless of gender. We see the disproportionate number of women who are victims and the importance of engaging men and boys in addressing this issue.”
Upon saluting the flag and entering a moment of silent remembrance for the many lives lost due to the ongoing crisis, members and guests concluded the Red Dress Day flag raising ceremony.
For more information on how you can help seek justice for the loss of murdered and missing Indigenous women, children and two-spirited people visit moosehidecampaign.ca.
By: Caleb Hooper
