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Red Dress Day

Today, May 5th, is Red Dress Day — a day observed across Canada to honour and remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people.

You might notice red dresses hanging in trees, on fences, or in windows today. These empty dresses are powerful symbols. They represent the thousands of Indigenous women and girls who are no longer here — and serve as a visible reminder of lives lost, families impacted, and communities still seeking justice.

The red colour itself was chosen because, in many Indigenous cultures, it’s believed to be the only colour spirits can see — calling those spirits back and ensuring they are not forgotten.

Across New Brunswick and right here in our communities, people are taking time today to reflect, learn, and show support. Whether it’s attending a local gathering, wearing red, or simply taking a moment of silence, every gesture matters.

Red Dress Day isn’t just about remembrance — it’s also about awareness and action. It’s a call to listen, to learn, and to stand alongside Indigenous communities in the ongoing push for safety, equality, and justice.

So today, if you see a red dress… take a moment. Remember the lives behind the symbol — and the voices that still need to be heard.

Image: Courtesy of Patty Musgrave-Quinn
  • Mark Downey started in radio broadcasting in 2001 when NB Broadcasting, now Acadia Broadcasting launched a Country Radio station in his hometown of St. Stephen. He's the morning show host of 98.1 Charlotte FM and the mid-day host on Country 94. On Sunday evenings, Mark also hosts the classic country show, The Weekend Jamboree. He owns his own mobile Wedding DJ Business performing at hundreds of weddings over the years. Mark was inducted into the New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame in October 2025.

    Email: downey.mark@radioabl.ca

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May 5, 2026
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