Youth Advocate Calls on Communities to Dress Purple this October 

Tikinagan Child & Family Services - Special to The Bulletin

Northwestern Ontario – October 2026: For youth like Memekwe Morriseau, wearing purple this October is an action that speaks louder than words. It’s an opportunity to start important conversations about safety, well-being, and how a community can work together to support children and youth. 
As a Casual Prevention Support Worker in her community of Weagamow First Nation, 20-year-old Morriseau sees these needs first-hand. 
“We have a lot of bullying issues happening and a lot of kids will come talk to me,” she said. 
This October, Morriseau is helping raise awareness for every child’s right to safety and well-being by participating in the province-wide campaign known as Abitewaapisowikiishikaa (Dress Purple Day). Tikinagan Child & Family Services will be celebrating Abitewaapisowikiishikaa (Dress Purple Day) on October 29, 2026, and throughout the month of October in partnership with the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA). 
Guided by the service model Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin, “everyone working together to raise our children”, Tikinagan has invited schools in their 30 First Nations to participate in Abitewaapisowikiishikaa. An updated Educator’s Toolkit has been sent to schools and includes curriculum, youth messages, videos, and activity sheets to engage with students. 
“I think if we had had Dress Purple Day when I was in school, it would have helped me,” said Morriseau. 
By working together, adults play an important role in helping children and youth understand their rights and know who to go to when they need help. 
“If everyone holds the weight together, it takes the load off of others who are doing a lot,” said Morriseau. 
Dealing with her own experiences of bullying inspired Morriseau to become a positive role model and voice for children, including through her role on Tikinagan’s youth team Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag (Hear Us Youth). Her efforts were also recently recognized at Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN)’s 44th Annual Keewaywin Conference where she was awarded the Shannen Koostachin Youth Leadership Award. 
“A lot of mental health issues come from trauma, and loneliness makes it worse. I want people to reach out to each other. It’s not as scary as it seems.” 
By wearing purple this October, Morriseau hopes to raise awareness of the existing supports in her community and make a positive impact for the next generation. 
“Take care of yourself, you’re stronger than you know,” she shared. 
To learn more about Abitewaapisowikiishikaa (Dress Purple Day) or to download the Educator’s Toolkit, visit www.Tikinagan.org/DressPurple.