!["A lot of our brothers and sisters south of the border [in the U.S.] are being impacted. They're not being allowed to be themselves and that's really dangerous," says Sabet Biscaye director of the gender equity division within the NWT Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs.](https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/nnsl/sabet-biscay.jpg;w=960;h=640;bgcolor=000000)
Hundreds gathered outside the legislative assembly on May 5 to mark Red Dress Day, a national day of awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
This year marks the movement’s 15th anniversary. Director of the gender equity division within the NWT Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs, Sabet Biscaye, used the occasion to call on all Canadians to denounce violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people — and to pay close attention to what’s happening in the United States.
"A lot of our brothers and sisters south of the border are being impacted. They're not being allowed to be themselves and that's really dangerous," said Biscaye. "We pride ourselves as Canadians, we pride ourselves in our diversity and I think that makes us stronger."
She also urged the crowd to speak out against racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia and to teach or encourage others to do the same.
"This is even more significant now when you think about what's happening south of our border," she said.
When asked what prompted her to include American politics in her speech, Biscaye explained that the NWT is a diverse place and the ripple effects of U.S. policy can reach Canada too.
Since returning to office for a second term, U.S. President Donald Trump has from government websites. Originally released in November 2023, the report was a collaboration between U.S. federal departments to address missing and murdered Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous people who are also American citizens have also been tied to Trump’s campaign promise of mass deportations.
Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Trump on May 6 in Washington. Biscaye said she hopes Carney and others won’t forget about the public.
"You can get so hung up on government processes and things like that that you forget who it is you're doing this for, especially the vulnerable population, because the vulnerable population often doesn't have a voice," she said.
It's for that reason that occasions like Red Dress Day are so important, said Biscaye. She noted that red can symbolize vitality, because it can be seen from far away, but it can also represent violence.
Red Dress Day has its roots in Winnipeg, where Metis artist Jaime Black first hung empty red dresses to commemorate missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
