A powerful personal story will take centre stage this week on Silence Broken: The IPV Talks as Smiths Falls prepares for its annual Red Dress Day ceremony.
Host Bob Perreault speaks with Flora Riley, who has spent the last decade raising awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women and gender-based violence in the community.
Riley explains the ceremony was moved to a Saturday this year to allow more people to attend the event at the town square beside Town Hall and the library.
During the emotional interview, she shares the story of her Métis sister, who was murdered by her husband in 1970 after he was released from custody before his court appearance.
Meshup-Riley says her sister’s killer received a sentence of 25 years to life but was pardoned after serving only four years.
Riley says the annual Smiths Falls ceremony has continued to grow as awareness spreads across the region. She speaks to the meaning behind the red dress.
The Red Dress Day ceremony takes place Saturday, May 9 at 2 p.m. in the Smiths Falls town square, rain or shine.
Speakers include local leaders, advocates and Indigenous representatives.
You can listen to the full podcast with Flora below.
