Honoring Resilience and Remembrance: Our Community Walk for MMIWG & MMIP in High Level- May 5th 2026
Last week, our community in High Level came together for a deeply moving and significant series of events, culminating in the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), also known as Red Dress Day. This week was dedicated to honoring the lives of those we have lost, supporting their families, and committing ourselves to ongoing action and aware
ness.
A Week of Preparation and Awareness
The week of remembrance began even before May 5th, with several important activities designed to engage the community and raise awareness:
•April 30 - May 1: MMIP Sign Making at High Level Native Friendship Centre
Community members gathered at the High Level Native Friendship Centre to create powerful signs for the upcoming memorial walk. These sessions, held from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM on April 30th and 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM on May 1st, provided a space for reflection and creative expression, ensuring that the voices of the community would be seen and heard.
•April 30 - May 5: Informational Packages and Family Activities at The Village
Throughout the week, The Village offered informational packages and family activities, providing resources and a supportive environment for families and individuals to learn more about the MMIWG and MMIP crisis.
•Community-wide Informational Silhouettes
Informational silhouettes were placed throughout the community, serving as poignant reminders and encouraging reflection on the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.
A Walk for Justice and Healing
On May 5th, the day culminated with a powerful Memorial Walk that began at Centennial Park. Community members, local officials, staff from our organization, and members of the FASD Society gathered in solidarity. The atmosphere was one of quiet reflection and shared purpose. As we began our memorial walk down Main Street, the sight of red dresses and ribbons served as a powerful reminder of the voices that have been silenced and the work that still remains to be done.
We were honored to have drummers lead us with a Prayer and Honour Song, their rhythms grounding us in the importance of the moment. Walking together through the heart of High Level was not just a tribute to the past, but a visible declaration of our community’s commitment to safety, justice, and healing for all Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people.
We were honored to have drummers lead us with a Prayer and Honour Song, their rhythms grounding us in the importance of the moment. Walking together through the heart of High Level was not just a tribute to the past, but a visible declaration of our community’s commitment to safety, justice, and healing for all Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people.
Strengthening Community Bonds
Following the walk, a community BBQ was held from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. This gathering provided a vital space for connection, allowing us to share stories, offer support to one another, and strengthen the bonds that make our community resilient.
The evening concluded with a Round Dance, a beautiful and symbolic expression of unity and healing. Seeing people of all ages join hands in the circle was a testament to the strength of our community and the power of coming together for a common cause.
Moving Forward
This entire week of events was proudly Sponsored by the Allyship Circle, whose dedication made these important gatherings possible. While Red Dress Day happens once a year, the mission behind it continues every day. We encourage everyone to stay informed, support local Indigenous-led initiatives, and continue the conversations that lead to meaningful change.
Thank you to the High Level Native Friendship Centre, the Town of High Level, and especially the Allyship Circle for organizing such a meaningful week of events, and to everyone who joined us in walking for those who no longer can.