A new online platform and database showcasing the narratives of over 400 Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, and gender-diverse individuals who were reported missing or found deceased in Manitoba were unveiled in Winnipeg on the National Day of Action and Remembrance for MMIWG2S. Known as Red Dress Stories MB, the initiative spearheaded by Giganawenimaanaanig, a provincial organization advocating for policy reform and support for MMIWG2S+ in Manitoba, aims to commemorate the lives of those affected, provide assistance to families and communities, and raise awareness among the public.
At the heart of Red Dress Stories MB is an interactive map covering the province, displaying red numbered circles and dress icons indicating locations where loved ones went missing or were discovered deceased. Alaya McIvor, a dedicated advocate and relative of an MMIWG2S+ individual, meticulously gathered data for each map point by engaging with families, compiling details such as names, ages, hometowns, and last known whereabouts of every individual. This thorough process, spanning over two decades, aimed to empower families by spotlighting their voices and experiences.
Jose Timog, a data analyst and web developer for Giganawenimaanaanig, expressed his aspiration for the website to serve as a catalyst for positive change, shedding light on the magnitude of the MMIWG2S+ crisis to drive policy enhancements and educational initiatives. The platform’s data reveals a significant rise in cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, and gender-diverse individuals within the past five years, with 61 incidents reported between 2020 and October 5, 2025, compared to 62 cases spanning the previous decade from 2010 to 2019.
Timog emphasized the importance of public education regarding the escalating rates of violence against Indigenous women, stressing the significance of the project in raising awareness. He pledged to continuously update the website with new stories, including historical cases, and intends to incorporate support resources for families and survivors, along with links to educational materials such as the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ final report and its 231 Calls for Justice.
Red Dress Stories website content is accessible in English, French, Ojibwe, and Cree, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity. The initiative has garnered support from various organizations and entities, including the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc., Wahbung Abinoonjiiag, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, 2Spirit Consultants, Red River College Polytechnic, as well as the provincial and Winnipeg governments.
McIvor and Anderson-Pyrz, both deeply involved in the cause, expressed hopes that the Red Dress Stories website will spark family-driven transformations throughout Manitoba and beyond, urging other jurisdictions to adopt similar data collection practices. Anderson-Pyrz emphasized the enduring impact of the initiative, stating that it will leave a legacy for future generations, signifying the importance of Indigenous narratives and the right to safety and security.
