‘Never forget her’: Loved ones remembered at Red Dress Day march in Membertou, N.S.

Hundreds gather in Membertou First Nation to remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2S people.

More than 200 people took part in a march with a message in Membertou, N.S., Tuesday.

On Red Dress Day – which honours missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people (MMIWG2S+) – some carried photos while others spoke about the loved ones they lost to violence as the walked through the community.

Andrea Dennis was remembering her niece Jazmine Nicholas-Cloud.

“She was somebody’s child, she was somebody’s niece, she was somebody’s sister, somebody’s friend,” she said.

“Never forget her… because she can’t stand with us here, but she can be with us in spirit."

Dennis says the 25-year-old was found dead in a home on Ling Street in New Waterford, N.S., on April 22.

Zachary Paul Landry, 32, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the case.

“It’s really breaking my sister’s heart, especially when it’s your only child, and she was such a beautiful kid,” said Dennis.

Jeff Ward organized the march and was emcee of the event. He believes everyone needs to confront the root causes of the violence.

“Many of us having been living with this reality our entire lives with memories of violence to Indigenous women and girls for approximately 500 years,” Ward said. “This day is an important reminder about the disproportionate violence.”

A bell rang out for each missing or murdered Indigenous woman or girl at the Red Dress Park in Membertou Tuesday morning, including Ward’s third cousin Emma Paul who was murdered in September 1991.

Red Dress Day started as a project by Metis artist Jaime Black in 2010. It has since evolved into a national event to raise awareness about the violence facing members of the Indigenous community.

According to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, 63 per cent of Indigenous women in Canada have experienced physical or sexual assault.

In the Maritimes, there are currently three active cases involving missing or murdered Indigenous women, one in each province.

Cpl. Hans Ouellette with the New Brunswick RCMP says Jared Smith, 38, was charged with the second-degree murder of Sheri Lynn Sabattis of Welamukotuk First Nation in 2024.

Scott C. Ferris, senior communications advisor with the P.E.I. RCMP, says they have one open file on a missing or murdered Indigenous person, but could not provide further details as it is an ongoing investigation.

The Nova Scotia RCMP also has one open file, which is the disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan.

“Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada continue to face disproportionately high risks of going missing, violence and homicide,” Ouellette said in an email. “Their health, safety and well-being are a priority for the RCMP, and we recognize the profound impact these tragedies have on families and communities.”

Ward notes the issues of violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people received much more attention these days than in past decades.

“There are so many allies involved now in so many organizations,” Ward said. “We’re not considered troublemakers, we’re bringing awareness. We need the courage to challenge the maintaining of status quo.”

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ryan MacDonald

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