The Confluence Building during Red Dress Day Photo Creds: Benjamin Gerow
May 5th marks the national day of awareness for missing, murdered and exploited Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit peoples. The symbolism of the Red Dress began with the REDress Project, created in 2010 by Métis artist Jamie Black. It began with hanging red dresses in public spaces that represent the now thousands of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls.
In this annual time of reconciliation, many events across Calgary were observed, including one put on by The Confluence on May 5th. The Sacred Steps Walk was a 5.2 km walk to help show support for the cause, reflect and to raise awareness about the ongoing battle. The event started at 9:30am.
The 2026 Sacred Steps Walk at The Confluence.
Photo Creds: Benjamin Gerow
The day kicked off with a sacred fire lighting, followed by an Elder prayer, and a few guest speakers like Karen English and Casey Eagle Speaker. Miskanawah followed that up with a traditional fireside song. From there, volunteers and organizers alike brought out the materials they needed for a tipi raising ceremony that was to take place after the 5.2 km walk to the Peace Bridge and back.
Large swaths of people came out to support, and once the tipi poles had been moved, the walk was underway. Despite the windy weather, everybody made the journey down to the Peace Bridge, moments of silence were had, and upon returning to The Confluence, participants were greeted with hot soup and free drinks.
The Lighting of the Sacred Fire outside The Confluence.
Photo Creds: Benjamin Gerow
Attendees were also asked to make a donation if possible to the Stardale Women’s Group, which has been empowering the lives of Indigenous women and girls and inspiring communities to engage in reconciliation.
Comments