Honouring Key Indigenous Days of Recognition
These important days invite reflection, learning, and celebration—honouring the resilience, strength, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.
[January 4] National Ribbon Skirt Day
National Ribbon Skirt Day is held every January 4. This day originates with the story of Isabella Kulak, a member of Cote First Nation, who was shamed for wearing her handmade ribbon skirt to a formal wear day at her elementary school. Traditionally worn by First Nations and Métis peoples, ribbon skirts are a meaningful symbol of identity, resilience, and survival for Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people, and represents a direct connection to Mother Earth. Isabella’s story shines a light on the enduring injustices, racism, and discrimination faced by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada every day, and on the importance of the role we all have to play in reconciliation.
[February 14] Have a Heart Day
Have a Heart Day is part of the larger movement run by the First Nations Child and family services of Canada. Ever since its inception in 1998, the organization has worked to bring awareness to the discrimination faced by Aboriginal children. It also connects the families of victims with resources and support. The essence of the day is based on reconciliation and individual action. The central effort is to build a bridge between communities, as we address the hardships faced by Aboriginal families.
Learn more about Have a Heart Day.
[February 21] International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day is observed on February 21st to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. This day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. The UN General Assembly then welcomed the proclamation of the day in its resolution of 2002.
Languages, with their complex implications for identity, communication, social integration, education and development, are of strategic importance for people and the planet. Yet, due to globalization processes, they are increasingly under threat or disappearing altogether. When languages fade, so does the world’s rich tapestry of cultural diversity. International Mother Language Day recognizes that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goals’ focus on leaving no one behind.
International Mother Language Day is a non-statutory holiday.
Learn more about International Mother Language Day
[March 20] Two-Spirit Celebration & Awareness Day
Held in alignment with the Spring Equinox each year, Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day is a celebration intended for all Two-Spirit and Indigenous queer and trans people, as well as allies, families, and friends to come together, learn, and celebrate.
This was was first proclaimed by the Government of British Columbia and the City of Vancouver.
[March 22] World Water Day
World Water Day is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of fresh water.
Learn more about World Water Day
[March 31] National Indigenous Languages day
National Indigenous Languages Day is March 31, and it is a day to celebrate and honour Indigenous languages in Canada. The decade from 2022 to 2032 is also the International Decade of Indigenous Languages to promote the use of Indigenous languages world-wide.
Learn more about Indigenous Languages Day
[May 5th] Red Dress Day
Also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People. Red dresses are displayed in public spaces to honour those who have been lost and to call for justice and action.
Learn more about the REDress art installation
[May 16] Moose Hide Campaign Day
Moose Hide Campaign Day is a day of ceremony where all Canadians are called to join together to take a stand against violence towards women and children and to take practical steps for our collective journey of reconciliation.
Learn more about Moose Hide Campaign Day.
[June] National Indigenous History Month
In 2009, June was declared National Indigenous History Month in Canada. During this month, we celebrate and honour the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada. This month is also a time for all Canadians to learn about, appreciate and acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples of Canada’s immense contributions, both past and present.
[June 21st] National Indigenous Peoples Day
A day to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, diverse cultures, and lasting contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada.
[June 9] Nunavut Day
On this day in 1993, the Parliament of Canada passed the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act and the Nunavut Act, which led to Nunavut being recognized as a territory on April 1, 1999. Nunavut Day highlights the importance of Inuit self-determination and honours the cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of Inuit in Canada.
[July 10] Huron Tract Treaty of 1827 Anniversary
Treaty 29, or the Huron Tract Purchase, was signed on July 10th, 1827, by representatives of the Crown and certain Anishinaabe peoples. The territory described in the written treaty covers approximately 2,200,000 acres. Treaties often reference natural features of the landscape to mark boundaries. This treaty uses the intersection of the St. Clair River and “a hickory tree marked with a broad arrow on two sides” to mark part of its boundary. Current communities in the area include Sarnia and Stratford.
Learn more about the Huron Tract Purchase
[August 9] International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
August 9th is International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This day is celebrated around the world and marks the date of the inaugural session of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations at the United Nations in 1982. Indigenous Peoples are holders of a vast diversity of unique cultures, traditions, languages, and knowledge systems. There are over 476 million Indigenous Peoples living in 90 countries across the world, accounting for 6.2% of the global population.
More than 70 per cent of the world’s population is living in countries with rising income and wealth inequality, including Indigenous Peoples who already face high rates of poverty and acute socio-economic disadvantages. High levels of inequality are generally associated with institutional instability, corruption, financial crises, increased crime and lack of access to justice, education and health services. For Indigenous Peoples, poverty and gross inequities tend to generate intense social tensions and conflicts.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is a non-statutory holiday.
Learn more about International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
[September 9] Powley Day (Ontario)
On September 19th, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and Métis communities across the country mark Powley Day to remember the recognition of Métis rights in the R. v. Powley case. While other Métis rights cases had been fought in the courts before, Powley was the first to be appealed all the way to the Supreme Court. In a unanimous decision on September 19th, 2003, the Supreme Court finally affirmed what the Métis people have been saying for over twenty years – section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, is a substantive promise to the Métis which recognizes their distinct existence and protects their existing Aboriginal rights.
Powley Day is a non-statutory holiday.
[September 30th] National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Also known as Orange Shirt Day, this day honours Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. It’s a time to reflect, learn, and recognize the ongoing impacts of these institutions, while reaffirming our shared commitment to truth, reconciliation, and healing.
Learn more about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
[October 4] National Day of Action for MMIWG2S
October 4th marks the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit and gender diverse people.
[Second Monday in October] National Indigenous Peoples Day (United States)
National Indigenous Peoples Day in the United States has risen to prominence as a replacement for Columbus Day. This day recognizes the native populations that were displaced and decimated after Christopher Columbus and other European explorers reached the continent.
As of 2020, 14 states— Alabama, Alaska, Hawai’i, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin—and the District of Columbia, more than 130 cities, and growing numbers of school districts celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day in place of or in addition to Columbus Day.
Technically, Columbus Day is a federal holiday, which means it is recognized by the US government and thus brings the closure of non-essential government offices, and, usually, places like post offices and banks. However, states and local governments can choose not to observe a federal holiday. And, as is the case with a growing number of places, they can change the name and intent of the October holiday altogether
Learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day
[November] National Indigenous Disabilities Awareness Month
Indigenous peoples of Canada experience a disability rate significantly higher than that of the general population. Indigenous Disability Awareness Monthbrings awareness of these barriers and the issues that Indigenous peoples living with disabilities and their families face every day. More importantly though, in spite of these barriers, IDAM celebrates the achievements of Indigenous peoples living with disabilities and recognize the significant and valuable contributions they make to our communities socially, economically, and culturally every day.
[First Week of November] Treaties Recognition Week (Ontario)
In 2016, Ontario passed legislation declaring the first week of November as Treaties Recognition Week.
Increasing our knowledge on our collective treaty rights and obligations helps us nurture these important relationships. This is part of the Ontario government’s work to rebuild trust and relationships with Treaty partners and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. This includes educating Ontarians about the role Treaties play in our lives and relationships today. The Indigenous Education Office within The Ministry of Colleges and Universities supports post-secondary institutions in recognizing the importance this week.
[November 7] Inuit Day (International)
Inuit Day is a celebration set up to acknowledge and celebrate Inuit culture and contributions, but most importantly to affirm the voices of Inuit across the circumpolar world. At the 2006 Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) General Assembly in Barrow, Alaska, November 7th was proclaimed as Inuit Day to honour the birth date of ICC founder Eben Hopson. Hopson was one of the Arctic’s greatest leaders who called on Inuit from Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Chukotka to work together in order to defend Inuit Rights and to make certain no Inuit community is left behind as change and development increases in the Arctic.
[November 8] Indigenous Veterans Day (National)
Every year on November 8th, we honour Indigenous Veterans Day by paying tribute to the important contributions and sacrifices made by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in service to Canada. Even before Canada was a country, Indigenous Peoples have fought to defend our country and our values. Where there has been conflict, where peace, security and safety have been threatened, Indigenous Peoples from across Canada have answered the call. On this day and throughout Veterans’ Week, we thank the thousands of First Nations, Inuit and Métis who have served and are serving.
Learn more about Indigenous Veterans Day
[November 9 – 15] Rock Your Mocs
Established 2011, Rock Your Mocs, is best described as a worldwide Native American & Indigenous Peoples virtual unity event held annually and during November National Native American Heritage Month in the U.S.A. During the Rock Your Mocs, people wear their moccasins, take a photo, create a video or story, add the hashtag #ROCKYOURMOCS and upload to social media. This creates “an online photo album” for the world to see and enjoy.
Learn more about the Rock Your Mocs worldwide social media event
[November 16] Louis Riel Day (Ontario)
Louis Riel Day is a non-statutory* holiday that occurs on November 16th across the Métis homelands. This date is the anniversary of Riel’s execution in 1885. During that year, Riel led Métis people in the Northwest Resistance, which was a stand against the Government of Canada because it was encroaching on Métis rights and way of life. He was eventually put on trial where he was convicted of treason and executed. Although Louis Riel Day commemorates one of the greatest tragedies of Canadian history, it is also a day to celebrate Métis culture and the continuing progress that Métis people are making in fulfilling Riel’s dream of Métis taking their rightful place within Confederation.
*In Manitoba, Louis Riel Day is a provincial statutory holiday that occurs on the third Monday of February.
Learn more about Louis Riel Day