Province Recognizes Red Dress Day, Issuing Proposal Call for Indigenous Violence Prevention Grants

May 5, 2025

The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, is today recognizing May 5 as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people (Red Dress Day), and issuing a proposal call for Indigenous Violence Prevention Grants.

Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people face higher rates of violence than their non-Indigenous, cisgender and heterosexual counterparts, so this day is a reminder that we must confront the systemic issues that lead to gender-based violence. This day is not just about remembrance – it is a collective responsibility to listen, learn, and take meaningful steps to create a safer, more equitable future.

Through Budget 2025, the Office of Women and Gender Equality has allocated $271,000 for the Indigenous Violence Prevention Grants Program.

Funding proposals for the Program are now being accepted for consideration as of . today (May 5). The deadline for submitting a proposal is May 30, 2025.

The Indigenous Violence Prevention Grants Program reaffirms the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to preventing violence experienced by Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in the province.

Projects eligible to receive funding include initiatives focused on:

• Increasing awareness, education, and training,
• Investing in leadership development,
• Building community capacity, and
• Enhancing opportunities for healing.

Program guidelines, criteria, application form and contact information can be found here.

During fiscal year 2024-25, government allocated nearly $900,000 to support initiatives for Indigenous women, groups, and organizations. This included the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council, Indigenous Violence Prevention Grants Program, the annual Provincial Indigenous Women’s Gathering, and funding support to the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network.

Quotes
“Today on the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, we pause to honor the lives lost the families forever changed, and the communities still seeking justice. In Newfoundland and Labrador, vital work is being done to address gender-based violence, especially in our Indigenous communities, where we are supporting Indigenous-led solutions. Hope and healing grow through truth, visibility, and action.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“This day is a solemn reminder of the deep injustices that Indigenous women and gender-diverse people face, and the urgent need for meaningful, sustained action. Our government remains firmly committed to ending gender-based violence and addressing the root causes including systemic racism, colonialism, and socio-economic inequality. Through continued collaboration with Indigenous partners, we are working to create safer communities, support survivors, and ensure justice for all.”
Honourable Dr. Scott Reid
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

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Learn more
Hear our Voices Report

Office of Women and Gender Equality

Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence

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