Manitoba Must Launch Indigenous Red Dress Alert by June 2026

UPDATE: A critical report released today demands the immediate launch of a Red Dress Alert program in Manitoba, led by Indigenous organizations, by June 2026. This urgent call follows the alarming statistic that 104 Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people have been murdered in the province over the past five years—equal to the total number lost in the previous decade.

The report emphasizes the necessity of Indigenous control and cultural integrity in the program’s implementation. Released at an event in Winnipeg, the final report stems from 43 public engagement sessions held over the past year, gathering insights on how such a system should function. “We are now calling on Manitoba to adopt provincial Red Dress Alert legislation to ensure that this commitment to protecting lives will endure,” stated Sandra DeLaronde, chair of Giganawenimaanaanig, the committee overseeing the report.

The Red Dress Alert system is designed to function similarly to an Amber Alert, quickly mobilizing police and community resources within critical hours when an Indigenous individual goes missing. The report stresses the “extreme urgency” of establishing an effective notification system, urging all levels of government to act swiftly to implement the program by the deadline.

However, the report insists that the system must be more than just an alert. It requires a holistic and culturally safe response that includes 24/7 support for families, survivors, and communities—providing emotional, crisis, and mental health services, as well as long-term healing resources.

The necessity for a Red Dress Alert law arises from the alarming rates of violence against Indigenous communities. A report from Statistics Canada revealed that the homicide rate for Indigenous women and girls is six times higher than for their non-Indigenous counterparts. Furthermore, the 2019 national inquiry highlighted that Indigenous people are 12 times more likely to go missing or be murdered.

“Alerts should be issued without arbitrary delays,” the report asserts, calling for diverse communication strategies to ensure rapid dissemination of information. It emphasizes the need for innovative outreach to communities lacking internet access, including the use of Indigenous languages in alerts.

The report also highlights systemic failures in current protocols. Many individuals expressed distrust in law enforcement, resulting in a reluctance to report missing persons. The proposed system aims to improve trust and accountability, ensuring that reports are recorded respectfully and promptly.

Giganawenimaanaanig has stated that while their role in the process is complete, the organization responsible for the alert system must have the autonomy to manage its data and secure ongoing government funding for effectiveness.

This initiative, while tailored to meet the specific needs of Manitoba, is expected to serve as a model for similar systems across Canada. The urgency for action cannot be overstated, as communities continue to grapple with the devastating impact of violence against Indigenous individuals.

As the clock ticks down to June 2026, the call for immediate implementation of the Red Dress Alert system resonates louder than ever. The time for change is now, and the demand for action is clear.