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Privacy Policy | Web Design and Development by Jose Timog
About the Red Dress Alert Project
In October 2024, Giganawenimaanaanig was entrusted with leading the development and implementation of a pilot Red Dress Alert System in Manitoba.
The proposed alert system will quickly mobilize police and other agencies, Indigenous governments and organizations, service providers, and the general public in the critical hours and days after a community or family members is reported missing.
Engagements Across Manitoba
We heard from communities, families, youth, Knowledge Keepers, and partners across the province.
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Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation
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Winnipeg
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O-Pipon Na Piwin Cree Nation
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Thompson
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Fisher River Cree Nation
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N'dinawemak
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Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation
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God's Lake Narrows Cree Nation
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Norway House Cree Nation
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Sunshine House
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The Pas
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Opaskwayak Cree Nation
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Flin Flon
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Hollow Water First Nation
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Infinity Women Secretariat, a proud affiliate of the Manitoba Metis Federation - National Government of The Red River Metis
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Tunngasugit Inuit Resource Centre
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Sioux Valley Dakota Nation
43
engagement sessions
29
in-person community sessions
14
essential partner sessions
1,000+
survey responses
What We Heard Report
In 2025, Giganawenimaanaanig completed a multi-stage engagement process with impacted families, Indigenous governments, organizations, public institutions, and with the wider community.
The engagement process examined what currently happens when a person is reported missing; the strengths and capacities that can be mobilized at the local level; and the changes that must be made to ensue an effective, rapid, and coordinated response and follow-up.
Input from the process was instrumental for identifying the needs and challenges that must be addressed when developing a new alert system.
Red Dress Final Final Report
Our communities have made it clear. The Red Dress Alert must be:
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Indigenous-led, trauma-informed and culturally safe
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Adequately resourced to meet the distinct needs of each region
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Developed to support families and communities through the entire process, regardless of how long the process takes
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Supported by police, government agencies, and community partners who have a responsibility to protect us
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Implemented immediately
The report outlines these requirements in addition to key obligation that the Government of Canada and Manitoba must adhere to the implementation of th Red Dress Alert system to be effective.
The Final Report was released on November 25, 2025 on the National Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Sacred Memorial
Families of missing women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ persons have contributed photos of their loved ones to a memory table that has travelled with Giganawenimaanaanig throughout the project as a sacred way to honour their memories.
Red Dress Alert Bundle Carriers
We recognize the dedication and commitment of the Bundle Carriers who have been participating since the start of the project in December 2024. The Red Dress Alert Bundle Carriers are from First Nations and Red River Metis families and survivors from various regions of Manitoba. The bundle carriers played an essential role in guiding the engagement process and the development of the proposal to create the Red Dress Alert System in Manitoba.
The Bundle Carriers were a vital part of ensuring that this process was Indigenous-led, respectful, and rooted in cultural competency. community empowerment, and trauma-informed healing for justice.
George Wood
Desarae Lambert
Delores Daniels
Gerri-Lee Pangman (McPherson)
Marilyn Courchene
Melinda Wood
Renee Gamblin-Kastrukoff
Grace Schedler
Amara Leclair
Red Dress Alert Team
Top (Left to Right):
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Denise Cook - Project Lead
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Jose Timog - Data Analyst
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Kim McPherson - Writer
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Celeste McKay - Celeste McKay Consulting Inc.
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Sandra DeLaronde - Chair
Bottom (Left to Right):
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(Denima) Thelma Morrisseau - Grandmother and Knowledge Keeper
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Stan LaPierre iban - Grandfather and Knowledge Keeper
Join the Red Dress Alert System Network
We are building safety infrastructure for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people across Canada, starting with a Manitoba pilot in 2026.
Together, we're creating an Indigenous-led system that coordinates rapid response when someone goes missing, supports impacted families, protects privacy, and respects autonomy. This work requires many hands - organizations that coordinate alerts, funders who sustain the infrastructure, researchers who strengthen the approach, and communities that hold us accountable to those we serve.
Whether you want to participate in the alert network, support impacted families, fund the work, or bring Red Dress Alert System to your region - we want to hear from you.
Complete this form to express your interest. The Red Dress Alert System project team will follow up to discuss how you can be part of this work.