REDress Awareness Week

The REDress Project was created by Jamie Black, Metis Artist. The hanging of empty Red Dresses in public spaces is representative of the loss of many thousands of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirt, lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA2S+) due to colonial violence. To learn more about the artist, Jamie Black and the REDress Project visit The REDress Project – Jaime Black.

Community at the University of Toronto Scarborough are invited to join us in learning and reflecting with a series of events including the displaying of Red Dresses in the Meeting Place for the week of Feb 9-13. This symbolism is designed to raise awareness and learning of the crisis of murdered and missing Indigenous people across Canada. This project was organized by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and the Athletics and Recreation to align with Women’s Memorial March’s that occurs annually in various communities and cities across the country, including Toronto on February 14. Learn more here

MMIWG2S+ Final Report

These activities encourage the campus community at UTSC, and all Canadians to learn about the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2s+) epidemic by reading the National Inquiry’s Final Report, “Reclaiming Power and Place” released on June 3, 2019. The Report provides insights into the human rights violations and the systemic violence endured by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ peoples’ in Canada. The Report calls for transformative calls to action and justice in government, legal system, social services, and other Canadian colonial institutions.

Read the Final Report

University of Toronto Scarborough Events for REDress Awareness Week

REDress Installation

February 9-13, 2026

Location: Meeting Place

REDress Awareness Week Installation Opening

To start this week of awareness and reflection, we welcome Faith Desmoulin to our campus. She will be sharing her gift of singing and hand drumming in honour of MMIWG2S+.

February 9, 2026

1pm-2pm

The Meeting Place

Registration is not required.

Beading with Intention: Red Dress & Goal Setting

Join us for a Red Dress Beading Workshop that brings together creative practice, reflection, and intention-setting in a supportive space. Through guided conversation, participation will explore SMART goals and personal intentions, using each bead as a step toward clarity and forward movement. The workshop will conclude with time to complete and reflect on your artwork, honouring both the process and the goals you are carrying forward. This event is open to Indigenous & non-Indigenous students.

Lead by Tianna Tabobondung, Indigenous Learning Strategist at UTSC.

February 10, 2026

1pm-3pm

Location: AC-221