Blue Jean Jacket Day (June 6): Honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Boys

Blue Jean Jacket Day (June 6): Honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Boys

Blue Jean Jacket Day: Honouring Missing, Murdered, and Exploited Indigenous Men and Boys

Every year on June 6, communities across Canada and beyond recognize Blue Jean Jacket Day—a grassroots movement dedicated to raising awareness for Missing, Murdered, and Exploited Indigenous Men and Boys (MMEIMB). While many people are familiar with Red Dress Day on May 5, which honours Indigenous women and girls, this day brings attention to the often overlooked stories of Indigenous men and boys.

Launched in Edmonton, Alberta in 2023, Blue Jean Jacket Day was created to address a critical gap in awareness. Indigenous men and boys face disproportionately high rates of violence, incarceration, and systemic injustice, yet their stories are rarely centered in national conversations.

Why a Blue Jean Jacket?

The blue jean jacket was chosen as a powerful and accessible symbol. Denim represents everyday life, resilience, and identity—something many people already wear and connect with.

For Indigenous men and boys, the jacket becomes more than clothing. It is a visible reminder of those who are missing, those whose lives were taken too soon, and those whose stories deserve recognition.

Wearing a blue jean jacket on June 6 creates a shared act of solidarity—one that sparks conversation and encourages awareness. Our design can be found here. 

Blue Jean Jacket Day awareness design featuring a denim jacket surrounded by Indigenous-inspired floral beadwork honouring Missing, Murdered, and Exploited Indigenous Men, Boys, and Two-Spirit people. Blue Jean Jacket Day Shirt, MMEIMB Awareness Shirt, Missing Murdered Exploited Indigenous Men Boys Shirt, Indigenous Awareness Apparel, Two-Spirit Awareness Shirt, Indigenous Advocacy Clothing, Indigenous Ally Apparel, Indigenous Awareness Shirt Canada, Blue Jean Jacket Day Clothing

Why This Day Matters

While national attention has grown around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S), the experiences of Indigenous men and boys remain underrepresented.

- Raises awareness of Missing, Murdered, and Exploited Indigenous Men and Boys (MMEIMB)

- Highlights systemic issues impacting Indigenous communities

- Honours the lives and identities of those affected

- Encourages advocacy for justice and accountability

Recognizing this day is an important step toward ensuring these stories are not forgotten.

How to Show Support

- Wear a blue jean jacket or blue shirt on June 6

- Share educational content on social media

- Support Indigenous-led organizations and initiatives

- Learn about the broader impacts of colonialism and systemic injustice

- Listen to and amplify Indigenous voices

If you are a creator or business owner, this is also an opportunity to use your platform responsibly by sharing awareness and supporting meaningful conversations.

Moving Forward Together

Blue Jean Jacket Day is more than a symbol—it is a call to remember, acknowledge, and act. By raising awareness and standing in solidarity, we can help ensure Indigenous men and boys are no longer overlooked.

Every story matters. Every life matters. And every voice deserves to be heard.

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