A movement seeks to spread awareness about missing Indigenous peoples.

This is not a celebration, it’s a commemoration and a day of mourning.

For the second year in a row, the local organization Supporting Indigenous Communities Group (SICG) will hold Red Dress Day in Seaside. Its purpose is to raise awareness of murdered and missing Indigenous people in California and beyond.

“We believe in the importance of bringing together local tribal individuals, communities and organizations to create strong connections and ties that strengthen our Native-Indigenous communities and non-indigenous allies,” says Mary Ann Carbone, chair of SICG and a local Chumash elder, as well as the mayor of Sand City. Carbone is supported by Ismana Carney, vice-chair and project director at SICG, who says the problem is alarmingly local, with human trafficking on Highway 1. The problem often goes undetected.

The original Red Dress Day was put together by Canadian artist Jaime Black. In the event, red dresses are hung from windows and trees to represent the pain and loss felt by loved ones and survivors. These days, Red Dress Day is an event held all over Canada and the West Coast.

Generations of Indigenous individuals have mourned missing and murdered loved ones. The event is dedicated to the victims, survivors and all who are impacted. The crisis of violence continues to impact the original peoples of this land. There’s a lack of data, so SICG is working on documenting stories and pushing for new legislation that would, for example, enhance communication between various agencies.

“Those women are out there and nobody sees it,” Carney says.

In 2023, the Red Dress Day event had 150 participants. This time the event is a bit shorter, with one panel instead of two. The program for 2024 includes traditional land acknowledgement from the Esselen Tribe, a traditional memorial ceremony, singers, stories and dance. The keynote speaker is Assemblymember James Ramos, D-Highland, of the Serrano-Cahuilla group.

A panel discussion will be moderated by Barbara Bain (Upper Klamath Shasta-Hawaiian). The panel will discuss 2024 updates on the California Murdered and Missing Indigenous People movement, legislation and other responses from potential allies.

RED DRESS DAY takes place 11am-4pm Saturday, May 4, Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave., Seaside. Free.