Blue Jean Jacket Day is observed annually on June 6.
It's a grassroots campaign that was launched in Edmonton in 2023. It's a movement dedicated to remembering and seeking justice for Missing, Murdered, and Exploited Indigenous Men and Boys.
It aims to ensure that missing and murdered Indigenous males are not forgotten. The Blue Jean Jacket was chosen to give Indigenous men and boys a distinct colour and identity. It represents strength, protection, and love.
Megan Harrison is hosting a Blue Jean Jacket Day workshop on Saturday, June 6, from 1:00 to 3:00. It will take place at the Lakeshore Family Resource Centre in Ashern. Harrison says many aren't sure what the blue jean jacket symbolizes.
"So right now, I think it's really meaningful to get the jackets out there and get the message out there, so more people learn about the day," said Harrison. "From what I've learned, not many know the meaning. Right now, it's important to get the word out."
According to 2020 data from Statistics Canada, Indigenous men were four times more likely to die by homicide than an Indigenous woman. Indigenous men were seven times more likely to die by homicide than non-Indigenous people.
Manitoba has some of the highest numbers of Indigenous Men and Boys homicides in Canada.
There is no cost to take part in the workshop. There will be a learning component, and all participants will make a blue jean jacket pin that is yours to keep.
Harrison says the most important thing she hopes participants take away is how we can make positive changes in our communities.
"We're standing with all of our Indigenous relations, whether it be Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Boys," ended Harrison. "It's really important to stand up for all of the crises that are going on right now within the Indigenous community."
If you'd like to register, call the Lakeshore Family Resource Centre in Ashern at 768-3016.
