Red Dress Day: Honoring Indigenous Women, Girls and 2-Spirit People

On May 4th, 2021, President Biden proclaimed May 5th as National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Awareness Day.

As actions at the local, regional, and national level continue to grow across the United States, during our own event, we plan to hold a short memorial ceremony (traditional drum and singers, an honoring song and dance) to remember MMIW then proceed to honor select indigenous women’s accomplishments and successes. There will be (1) A Women Speakers Panel; (2) Speakers and Storytellers (honored Indigenous elders and cultural experts); (3) A Red Dress art exhibit and (4) Native California traditional dancing and singing groups.

Primary goals and impact:
(1) To create an accessible county-wide event, open to indigenous individuals and communities, and to the general public that will raise awareness of critical issues, increase intercultural dialogue and awareness and create bonds of shared interest with a view to making positive changes as we move forward.
(2) Along with other California organizations, universities and counties across the state, through this event, we are part of a nationwide in an effort to increase awareness and transparency in support of MMIW, while at the same time celebrate the extraordinary successes and accomplishments of indigenous women who live in Monterey County and in other California counties.

Location: Oldemeyer Center,
986 Hilby Ave,
Seaside,CA93955
Cost: Free with lunch