Red Dress Day: National Day of Awareness and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People Posted on April 16, 2026 at 12:48 pm. On May 5, Durham College (DC) joins the recognition of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Peoples (MMIWG2S). It is a day to remember and honour those who have been taken as a result of the human rights crisis of gender-based and racialized violence in Canada. Also known as Red Dress Day, it was named after an art installation by Metis artist Jaime Black called the REDress Project. Empty red dresses were hung in various spaces to represent murdered and missing women, resulting in the now-iconic symbol. The day is generally honoured by observers wearing red clothing and hanging red dresses from trees, statues and doors and in windows. Despite totalling less than 5% of the Canadian population, Indigenous women account for over 24% of female homicide victims and are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing than any other women in Canada. Indigenous women are also more likely to experience physical and sexual assault and are twice as likely to experience violence from a current or former intimate partner. Advocacy groups estimate that over 4,000 Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit peoples went missing or were murdered between 1980 and 2012. Anishinaabemowin series: Wiisnidaa Posted on April 2, 2026 at 2:42 pm. Wiisnidaa moozowiiyaas: Let’s eat, moose meat! Indigenous Education and Cultural Services (Ontario Tech University) and First Peoples Indigenous Centre (Durham College) are excited to pilot a drop-in Anishinaabemowin learning series to the community. Open to all learning stages; the goal is to share and exchange what we know and interact with the language more regularly. Resources and activities will be facilitated by IECS and FPIC staff, who are Anishinaabemowin learners as well. 🙂 These sessions will be informal, drop – in style between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Come and go as you need; enjoy moose meat pie and participate in Anishinaabemowin games and fun. 🙂 Please note the locations when registering * April 8 and May 7 – North Oshawa (OTU / DC north Oshawa campus) Address: 2018 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5 Building: Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE), room 141 Parking: TBD – Founders 2 is closest lot. We will work to reimburse and/or provide parking passes. April 30 and May 28 – Downtown Oshawa (Ontario Tech Campus) Address: 61 Charles Hall, Oshawa, Room 105 Parking: 61 Charles – parking lot Contact: indigenous@ontariotechu.ca Honouring National Indigenous History Month at Durham College Posted on May 30, 2025 at 2:44 pm. June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to recognize and honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. At Durham College (DC), Indigeneity plays a vital role in shaping education. The college is committed to advancing decolonization and fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. “As a leader in education, we are taking meaningful steps to honour Indigenous knowledge through our programs, services, and campus spaces,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College. “Guided by the First Peoples Indigenous Centre and the Indigenous Advisory Circle, we continue to build an inclusive, welcoming environment for all.” This shared commitment is reflected in DC’s Indigenization Statement, and reinforced through the college’s Strategic Vision, which outlines its intention to expand Indigenous-led programs and initiatives. These efforts support both students and employees in championing Indigenous rights and furthering reconciliation. This month, members of the DC community are invited to engage with resources and opportunities that foster deeper understanding and encourage collective action, including: Lunch and Learn film screenings hosted by the First Peoples Indigenous Centre. DC’s Indigenous content collection highlighting stories, resources, supports, and opportunities available on campus. Curated Indigenous Library resources on Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, heritage, rights and histories. Online learning modules focused on Indigenous histories and reconciliation. Reflective campus spaces like the Naanaagide’endamowin Courtyard and Weeping Willow Tree at the Oshawa campus that honour the children lost to residential, day, and industrial schools. Reconciliation is an ongoing journey. DC invites everyone to take part in meaningful learning, reflection, and dialogue — this month and beyond.
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