Brief History to Know
Blue Jean Jacket Day
Never heard of Blue Jean Jacket Day?
Let's learn about it!
Indigenous men Are 4 times more likely to be killed than Indigenous women.
How do we know this? 2020 data from Statistics Canada. So this is just from what we know that was reported in Canada. We don't know the whole scope in the United States.
So what can we do? We learn about it and spread the word.
The infographic is from Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA).
Blue Jean Jacket Day was started in Edmonton, Canada, in 2023 to raise awareness and to bring more attention to the issue of systemic violence faced by Indigenous men and boys.
Blue Jean Jacket Day was started by singer (Stephanie Harpe Experience) and advocate, Stephanie Harpe (Dene, Cree, and Métis) in 2023. Harpe’s advocacy in everything she does includes men and boys. She has developed a short documentary and programming highlighting their experiences within the murdered and missing framework, and has continued to organize Blue Jean Jacket Day on June 6, now recognized nationally and internationally to honor murdered and missing Indigenous men and boys. For Harpe, it's all about awareness.
We wanted to give them a color. Give them identity. Let them know they’re loved and honored.”
Joining Stephanie Harpe in the fight for awareness of Indigenous men and boys, is April Eve Pearl Wilberg (Mikisew Cree First Nation and Lakota), also located in Canada. Wilberg's organization is Stolen Sisters and Brothers Action Movement, and that grassroots organization has hosted Blue Jean Jacket Day in the past. She also works with CEASE. CEASE is an Edmonton-based non-profit creating pathways out of sexual exploitation for more than 35 years. They have been working in cooperation with the community, government, and law enforcement to help sexually exploited and trafficked persons heal and renew their lives. You can find out more about CEASE by clicking here.
Do you still have questions?
Let's get some more basic information figured out.
Why June 6? It falls exactly one month after Red Dress Day (May 5), which is dedicated to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The Red Dress has been a prominent symbol of that movement. Both days honor lives lost, and the families left behind.Why the Blue Jean Jacket? The Goal: Organizers aim to bring visibility to their cases and address the disproportionately high rates of violence and homicide faced by Indigenous males compared to other demographics.What can you do? Either wear a jean jacket, a jean vest (if it's really hot where you are), or a pin in the shape of a jean jacket. Share what you have learned and hold space for anyone that have lost loved ones.
A different iniative..... with neckties!
Are you not comfortable wearing a jean jacket?
In 2015, a family began the "Men's Necktie Awareness Campaign".
It emerged as a way to raise awareness and demand inclusion of Indigenous men and boys in investigations and inquiries related to missing and murdered individuals, particularly in Canada. This campaign was started by Lydia Daniels, and it draws inspiration from the "Red Cloth Ribbons Memorial campaign" for missing and murdered Indigenous women. There is no set date for this, since they are individual campaigns, but what if we paired it with June 6- Blue Jean Jacket Day?
Key aspects of the necktie campaign:
Symbolism: Neckties are used as a symbolic representation of the missing and murdered men and boys.
Inquiry Inclusion: The campaign aims to urge federal and provincial governments to include cases of missing and murdered Indigenous men and boys in inquiries focused on missing and murdered Indigenous people, especially women.
Awareness: It seeks to bring attention to the fact that Indigenous men and boys are also victims of violence and disappearance, often overlooked in public discourse.
Family-Driven: The campaign is often initiated and supported by families of missing and murdered Indigenous men and boys.
Community Involvement: Individuals and organizations participate in the campaign by hanging neckties in public spaces and sharing information.
Why the need for this campaign?
Data Discrepancies: Statistics show that a significant number of Indigenous homicide victims are male, highlighting the need for a gender-inclusive approach to investigations.
Systemic Issues: Indigenous men and boys face disproportionate rates of violence, often stemming from systemic issues like colonization and intergenerational trauma.
Forgotten Cases: The campaign aims to address the fact that cases of missing and murdered Indigenous men and boys are often overlooked or marginalized.
Call for Justice: Families and advocates are calling for a broader inquiry to address the root causes of violence and ensure justice for all victims.
Whichever one is used, blue jean jackets or neckties, awareness of loved ones for those family members helps them focus, feel included, and gives them hope that something will be done.
