Days of Reflection & Celebration

What it is / significance

• A day to honour and celebrate the ribbon skirt (or ribbon shirt) worn in many Indigenous communities, especially by women and gender-diverse people.
• The modern observance was catalyzed by the story of Isabella Kulak, a young Indigenous student who wore a ribbon skirt to a “formal day” at school and was told it wasn’t “formal enough.”
• The ribbon skirt is seen as a symbol of cultural pride, identity, resilience, and connection to tradition and land.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Wear or display ribbon skirts / shirts, and share their meaning (e.g. social media, community events)
• Host or support a local “Ribbon Skirt Day” event (exhibits, workshops, storytelling)
• Invite local schools or cultural centres to teach about the history and symbolism of ribbon skirts
• Collaborate with Indigenous artists/crafters to lead ribbon-skirt making or educational workshops

February 14th, Have a Heart Day 

What it is / significance

• A child/youth-led reconciliation‑oriented event, that calls attention to inequalities experienced by Indigenous children and youth.
• Emphasizes that Indigenous children should have the same rights to safety, health, education, cultural connection, and support as others.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Organize or join a “Have a Heart Day” gathering in your community (songs, stories, cultural sharing)
• Write letters or messages to local / national leaders about improving services for Indigenous children
• In schools, hold discussions, readings, or classroom activities about child welfare, equity, and reconciliation
• Partner with Indigenous organizations to amplify voices of youth and share their perspectives

Maamawe Pow Wow (date aligns annually with Family Day)

What it is / significance

• The Maamawe Pow Wow is an annual celebration of Indigenous culture, unity, and tradition. "Maamawe," meaning "all together" in Anishinaabemowin, reflects the spirit of this gathering, which brings together community members, dancers, drummers, and visitors from all walks of life.
• Through song, dance, and ceremony, the Pow Wow honors ancestral teachings, fosters cultural pride, and strengthens connections across generations. All are welcome to join in this vibrant celebration of resilience, identity, and togetherness! 

Local‑level support / action ideas

February 21st, International Mother Language Day

What it is / significance

• A UNESCO‑declared day to promote linguistic and cultural diversity, multilingualism, and the importance of preserving mother (native) languages globally.
• Recognizes that language is a fundamental part of identity, culture, and intergenerational knowledge transmission.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Host or support events celebrating local Indigenous, immigrant, or minority languages (storytelling, songs, workshops)
• In schools, encourage instruction or exposure in mother languages or local Indigenous languages
• Record and document elders’ stories, oral histories in native languages
• Promote signage or materials in multiple local languages

March 20th, Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day 

What it is / significance

• A day to recognize, celebrate, and raise awareness of Two‑Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ identities, histories, contributions, and challenges.
• “Two‑Spirit” is an Indigenous concept (in many nations) reflecting the blending or coexistence of masculine and feminine spirits; many Two‑Spirit people have served roles as healers, knowledge-keepers, leaders in their communities historically.
• The day promotes visibility, respect, inclusion, and healing within and beyond Indigenous communities.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Organize or support local events (flag raisings, panels, cultural sharing, ceremonies)
• Invite Two‑Spirit speakers, Elders, youth to share their stories and perspectives
• In community centres or schools, hold inclusive workshops on Indigenous gender/sexual diversity
• Ensure that local Indigenous / LGBTQ+ supports and services are safe, visible, and accessible

March 22nd, World Water Day 

What it is / significance

• An international observance established by the UN to highlight the importance of freshwater and to advocate for sustainable management of water resources.
• It draws attention to water challenges globally (e.g. scarcity, quality, equitable access) and connects them to broader issues like climate change, health, and human rights.
• In Canada especially, the day emphasizes that many Indigenous and remote communities still lack reliable access to safe drinking water.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Host water‑focused educational events (workshops, talks, panels) in your community, schools, or library
• Partner with local environmental, Indigenous, or watershed groups to lead river or shoreline cleanups
• Advocate for municipal water protection policies, stormwater management, and responsible land use
• Support or highlight “water keepers,” “water walkers,” or Indigenous people/organizations doing water protection work

March 31st, National Indigenous Language Day 

What it is / significance

• A Canadian day dedicated to celebrating and promoting Indigenous languages (First Nations, Inuit, Métis).
• Many Indigenous languages in Canada are endangered or at risk; this day emphasizes revitalization, reclamation, maintenance, and intergenerational transmission.
• It aligns with the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032), an international initiative calling for urgent action globally.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Invite local Elders, language keepers, youth, or knowledge holders to lead language workshops, storytelling sessions, or language circles
• In schools or community centres, provide lessons, signage, phrases, or language “word of the day” displays
• Create or support digital / print resources (books, apps, recordings) in local Indigenous languages
• Record and archive oral histories, traditional stories, songs in Indigenous languages
• Encourage municipalities or institutions to include Indigenous language signage, place‑names, and naming practices

April 22nd, Earth Day 

What it is / significance

• A global annual event to raise awareness about environmental issues (climate change, biodiversity, pollution, sustainability) and promote collective action for the planet.
• It helps galvanize public, institutional, and governmental support for nature protection and ecological responsibility.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Organize or join local “Earth Day” cleanups, tree plantings, habitat restoration, native species plantings
• Run educational talks or exhibitions about climate, ecology, local ecosystems, or Indigenous environmental perspectives
• Promote green practices: waste reduction, composting, renewable energy, green infrastructure
• Partner with Indigenous and environmental groups to emphasize the connections between land, water, climate, and Indigenous stewardship

May 5th, Red Dress Day | National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) 

What it is / significance

• A day to honour and remember Indigenous women, girls, and Two‑Spirit people who are missing or murdered, and to raise awareness of the systemic violence and injustices they face.
• The red dress has become a powerful symbol for this cause, representing life, visibility, and remembrance.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Host or attend ceremonies, vigils, marches, or memorial events in your community
• Display red dresses (or symbolic red pieces) in public spaces or windows to show visibility
• Support or partner with local Indigenous advocacy, support services, and shelters
• Facilitate public education sessions, film screenings, or discussions about root causes (colonialism, racism, violence, systemic issues)
• Support Indigenous-led research, memorial spaces, or art installations on this issue

May 10th, Bear Witness Day (Day of Observance for Jordan's Principle)

What it is / significance

• A day to honour and remember Jordan’s Principle, which is a child-first principle aimed at ensuring Indigenous children receive equitable access to health, social, education, and other services without delay caused by jurisdictional disputes.
• It also draws attention to the ongoing gaps and obstacles in service delivery to First Nations children in Canada.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Educate your community (schools, social services, health providers) about Jordan’s Principle and its importance
• Invite Indigenous child welfare advocates, leaders, or families to speak or share stories
• Advocate with local agencies (health, social, education) to remove barriers and ensure services for Indigenous children are delivered fairly
• Support or volunteer with local organizations working on children’s rights, Indigenous youth support, or child welfare in your region

May 16th, Moose Hide Campaign 

What it is / significance

• The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led movement to engage men and boys (and all people) in standing against violence toward Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.
• Participants wear a small square of moose hide (or symbolic substitute) as a visual pledge to be part of ending gender-based violence.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Distribute Moose Hide Campaign pins or squares locally and encourage people to wear them
• Hold pledging events, education sessions, or gatherings where people commit to preventing gender-based violence
• Partner with Indigenous organizations or community groups to host talks, share resources, and foster dialogues
• In workplaces, schools, civic organizations, adopt pledges or awareness campaigns related to violence prevention

JUNE: National Indigenous Peoples Month 

What it is / significance

• A month-long recognition of the history, heritage, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
• It provides a sustained opportunity (beyond a single day) for education, events, celebrations, and reflection.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Organize or participate in local festivals, cultural exhibitions, concerts, art shows, storytelling, etc.
• Collaborate with local Indigenous communities, artists, Elders to lead events that center Indigenous voices
• Use the month to coordinate a series of events (films, talks, workshops) rather than a single day
• Encourage schools, libraries, museums to spotlight Indigenous authors, histories, languages, art

June 20^th or 21^st (dependent on year), Summer Solstice

What it is / significance

• The summer solstice (usually June 20 or 21) is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
• For many Indigenous nations, the solstice holds cultural and ceremonial significance—time for celebration, connection to the land, festivals, gatherings.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Hold sunrise/sunset ceremonies, drum circles, cultural celebrations on the solstice
• Invite Indigenous knowledge keepers to share teachings about relationships to land, sky, seasons
• Use this occasion to host gatherings on land (parks, open spaces) that foster connection to nature
• Encourage the inclusion of solstice events in local festival calendars

June 21st, National Indigenous Peoples Day 

What it is / significance

• A national day to celebrate and honour the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples— their cultures, contributions, and diverse heritages.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Host or participate in cultural celebrations: drumming, dance, music, art, food, community gatherings
• Invite Indigenous speakers, storytellers, artists, Elders to lead or participate
• Use local media, schools, and institutions to highlight Indigenous community members, stories, and achievements
• Promote Indigenous-owned businesses, artisans, crafts, and cultural tourism

June 30th, Indigenous Survivors Day 

What it is / significance

• A day to honour survivors of the residential school system, and to remember those who did not survive.
• It recognizes the resilience, survival, healing, and strength of Indigenous individuals, families, and communities affected by the legacy of residential schools.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Host ceremonies, remembrance gatherings, sharing circles, or memorial events dedicated to survivors
• Provide platforms for survivors to share their stories, teachings, or artistic expressions
• Encourage educational institutions and public spaces to feature exhibits, talks, or art on residential school history and reconciliation
• Partner with local Indigenous organizations, support services, healing circles, and truth‑telling initiatives

August 9th, International Day of World's Indigenous Peoples  

What it is / significance

• A United Nations–declared day to raise awareness of the rights, cultures, contributions, and challenges of Indigenous Peoples globally.
• It emphasizes the importance of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as Indigenous self‑determination, land and resource rights, and cultural preservation.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Organize or promote local events (speeches, art displays, cultural sharing, film screenings) around Indigenous global issues
• Encourage participation in international dialogues, solidarity campaigns, or networking with Indigenous communities beyond your region
• Use media, social platforms, and institutions to amplify Indigenous voices, global Indigenous issues, and rights declarations
• Collaborate with local Indigenous organizations to host joint events that connect local and global Indigenous perspectives

What it is / significance

• Commemorates the Powley decision (2003) — a landmark Canadian Supreme Court ruling affirming Métis harvesting rights under Section 35 of the Constitution (the rights of Indigenous peoples) in Sault Ste. Marie region.
• Powley Day underscores Métis rights, Indigenous harvesters, and the importance of legal recognition of traditional practices.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Host educational talks or panels about Indigenous and Métis rights, constitutional law, and harvesting practices
• Invite Métis knowledge keepers or harvesters to share their stories, traditions, and knowledge
• In local schools or community centres, hold lessons or exhibits about the Powley case, Métis culture, and Indigenous rights
• Support or advocate for local recognition of harvesting rights, sustainable resource management, and Indigenous governance

September 30th, National Day of Truth & Reconciliation | Orange Shirt Day 

What it is / significance

• A day to honour and remember survivors of the residential school system, victims, and intergenerational impacts of those systems of colonial oppression.
• It is also the day for “Orange Shirt Day,” which originated from the story of a child whose orange shirt (given at residential school) was taken; it symbolizes the impact of residential schools on Indigenous children.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Wear orange, host or attend commemorative events, community ceremonies, survivors’ stories, sacred fires, teach-ins
• In schools, pause regular curriculum for reflective activities: reading, films, guest speakers, art or cultural practice sessions
• Host or support local exhibits, memorials, or installations about residential schools, reconciliation, and reconciliation action
• Encourage institutions (libraries, museums, municipal offices) to fly orange, host events, open conversations

NOVEMBER: National Indigenous Disabilities Awareness Month

What it is / significance

• A month to raise awareness about the intersectional issues faced by Indigenous people with disabilities, including colonial legacies, access to supports, inclusion, stigmas, and systemic barriers.
• It centers the voices, experiences, and rights of Indigenous people who live with disabilities or chronic conditions.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Partner with Indigenous and disability advocacy groups to host events, panels, workshops, or story‑sharing sessions
• Highlight accessibility, inclusion, and barrier removal in local institutions (schools, community centres, health services)
• Share stories, art, and voices of Indigenous people with disabilities in media, newsletters, or social platforms
• Advocate for policies, funding, and supports tailored to Indigenous persons with disabilities

First Week of November: Treaties Recognition Week  

What it is / significance

• A week dedicated to recognizing and teaching about treaties in Canada: the history, ongoing relevance, rights, responsibilities, and relationships implied by treaties.
• Helps the public understand the foundational role treaties play in the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Crown/government.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Hold or attend treaty education sessions, public talks, panels, or displays in schools, libraries, city halls
• Invite Indigenous treaty holders, knowledge keepers, or legal scholars to speak
• Map and share local treaty territories, histories, and responsibilities (e.g. territorial acknowledgments plus deeper public education)
• Encourage municipalities or civic entities to formally recognize and commit to upholding treaty obligations

November 7th, International Inuit Day 

What it is / significance

• A day to celebrate Inuit culture, language, heritage, achievements, and to draw attention to issues affecting Inuit communities (e.g. climate change, self-determination, health).
• It highlights Inuit identity and resilience across the circumpolar north.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Organize or attend Inuit cultural events, art shows, music, storytelling, food events
• Invite Inuit artists, writers, elders or community members to speak or perform locally
• In schools and local institutions, include Inuit voices, perspectives, literature, and curriculum modules
• Showcase Inuit art, crafts, films, and literature in local cultural spaces

November 8th, Indigenous Veteran's Day

What it is / significance

• A day to recognize and honour Indigenous peoples’ contributions, sacrifices, and service in military conflicts and peacekeeping (First Nations, Inuit, Métis).
• It acknowledges that Indigenous peoples often faced additional discrimination and barriers in military service, despite their willingness and commitment.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Hold or attend ceremonies, memorials, or events recognizing Indigenous veterans and their families
• Invite Indigenous veterans or their descendants to share stories and testimonies
• Integrate Indigenous veterans’ history into local Remembrance Day programming
• Work with veteran and Indigenous organizations to ensure Indigenous veterans’ rights, services, and recognition are supported

November 16th, Louis Riel Day

What it is / significance

• A day to recognize and honour Louis Riel (1844–1885), Métis leader, politician, and founder of Manitoba, who led Métis resistance movements and strove for Métis rights and recognition.
• He is a symbol of Métis identity, resistance, political activism, and the struggle for Indigenous and Métis rights in Canada.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Hold or attend lectures, panel discussions, or community sessions about Louis Riel, Métis history, and his impact
• Invite Métis community elders, storytellers, or scholars to speak or lead events
• Feature Métis history, art, and culture in libraries, museums, schools and community centres
• Encourage municipalities to reflect Métis presence (e.g. place names, signage, recognition)

December 21st, Winter Solstice  

What it is / significance

• The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere (a turning point).
• Many Indigenous nations hold cultural, ceremonial, or spiritual significance for this time—reflection, renewal, connection to cycles of nature.

Local‑level support / action ideas

• Host or attend gatherings, ceremonies, storytelling, or cultural celebrations aligned with the solstice
• Invite Indigenous knowledge keepers to share teachings about seasonal changes, land, star knowledge, and traditions
• Use the solstice as a time of reflection, healing, and planning for the year ahead in community
• Encourage cultural and ecological events that connect people with nature through winter

Learn More: Winter solstice: A time of celebration, reflection and traditions for Indigenous people - Statistics Canada