SIGNIFICANT DAYS
IN OUR COMMUNITY
REVIEW THIS NON-EXHAUSTIVE LIST TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT SIGNIFICANT DAYS IN OUR COMMUNITY
Annual Indigenous Days of Significance
JAN
FEB
MAR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
NOV
DEC
National Ribbon Skirt Day - January 4
National Ribbon Skirt Day is observed on January 4 each year, honouring the story of Isabella Kulak from the Cote First Nation. Isabella faced shame for wearing her handmade ribbon skirt on formal wear day at her elementary school. Traditionally worn by First Nations and Métis peoples, ribbon skirts symbolize identity, resilience, and survival for Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals, reflecting a deep connection to Mother Earth. Isabella’s experience highlights the ongoing injustices, racism, and discrimination encountered by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, underscoring the collective responsibility we share in the journey toward reconciliation.
Have a Heart Day - February 14
Have a Heart Day is an initiative of the First Nations Child and Family Services of Canada, launched in 1998 to raise awareness about the discrimination experienced by Indigenous children. The organization connects families of affected children with vital resources and support. The day emphasizes reconciliation and personal action, aiming to foster connections between communities while addressing the challenges faced by Indigenous families.
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Learn more about Have a Heart Day
World Water Day - March 22
World Water Day is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of fresh water.
Learn more about World Water Day
National Indigenous Languages day - March 31
National Indigenous Languages Day is observed on March 31, celebrating and honouring Indigenous languages in Canada. The period from 2022 to 2032 is designated as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, aimed at promoting the use of Indigenous languages globally.
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National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples - May 5
May 5th is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples. Often referred to as Red Dress Day, this observance draws inspiration from Jaime Black’s REDress art installation, which sparked the red dress movement. On this day, many people across North America hang red dresses in both private and public spaces to honour those who are missing or have been murdered.
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Learn more about MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ by reading the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
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The National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ is a non-statutory holiday.​
Moose Hide Campaign Day - May 16
Moose Hide Campaign Day is a ceremonial day that invites the community to unite against violence toward women and children and to take meaningful steps toward reconciliation.
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Learn more about Moose Hide Campaign Day.
National Indigenous History Month
In 2009, June was designated National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate and honor the history, heritage, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. This month encourages Canadians to learn about, appreciate, and acknowledge the significant contributions of Indigenous Peoples, both past and present.
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Summer Solstice - June 20
National Indigenous People's Day - June 21
On June 21st, we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to honour and recognize the legacy, diverse cultures, and remarkable contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. While these groups share many similarities, it is essential to acknowledge their unique heritages, languages, cultural traditions, and spiritual beliefs. Established in 1996 through a proclamation by then Governor General Roméo LeBlanc, National Indigenous Peoples Day was formerly known as National Aboriginal Day.
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The Government of Canada, in collaboration with Indigenous organizations, selected June 21st—the summer solstice—due to its cultural, historical, and spiritual significance.
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Learn more about National Indigenous History Month
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Although this day is recognized as a statutory holiday in the Northwest Territories and Yukon, it is not yet a statutory holiday in other parts of Canada.​
Nunavut Day - July 9
On this day in 1993, the Parliament of Canada enacted the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act and the Nunavut Act, paving the way for Nunavut to be recognized as a territory on April 1, 1999. Nunavut Day emphasizes the significance of Inuit self-determination and celebrates the cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of Inuit in Canada.
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International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples – August 9
August 9th is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, celebrated globally to mark the inaugural session of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations at the United Nations in 1982. Indigenous Peoples represent a rich diversity of unique cultures, traditions, languages, and knowledge systems, with over 476 million individuals living across 90 countries, making up 6.2% of the global population.
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Learn more about International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
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International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is a non-statutory holiday.​
Powley Day (Ontario) – September 19
On September 19th, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and Métis communities nationwide observe Powley Day to commemorate the recognition of Métis rights in the R. v. Powley case. Although other Métis rights cases had been presented in the courts prior, Powley was the first to reach the Supreme Court. In a unanimous decision on September 19, 2003, the Supreme Court confirmed what the Métis people had asserted for over twenty years: that section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, is a significant commitment to the Métis, recognizing their distinct existence and safeguarding their existing Aboriginal rights.
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Powley Day is a non-statutory holiday.​
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - September 30
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, along with their families and communities. Public commemoration and acknowledgment of the tragic history, ongoing impact, and intergenerational trauma stemming from Canada’s residential school legacy are crucial to the reconciliation process.
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Previously known as Orange Shirt Day, it remains important to wear orange on this day to show support. The color orange was chosen in honor of Phyllis Webstad, a Survivor of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School, whose new orange shirt, given to her by her grandmother, was taken from her on her first day. We wear orange for all the children who had their languages, cultures, and, for far too many, their lives taken from them.
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National Day of Action for MMIWG2S - October 4
October 4th marks the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit and gender diverse people.
National Indigenous Disabilities Awareness Month - November
Indigenous peoples in Canada face a disability rate that is significantly higher than that of the general population. Indigenous Disability Awareness Month raises awareness of the barriers and challenges that Indigenous individuals living with disabilities and their families encounter daily. More importantly, IDAM celebrates the achievements of Indigenous peoples with disabilities, highlighting the significant and valuable contributions they make to our communities.
Treaties Recognition Week (Ontario) – First Week of November
In 2016, Ontario enacted legislation designating the first week of November as Treaties Recognition Week.​ Enhancing our understanding of our collective treaty rights and obligations is essential for fostering these important relationships. This initiative is part of the Ontario government’s efforts to rebuild trust and strengthen ties with Treaty partners and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. It also aims to educate Ontarians about the significance of Treaties in our lives and relationships today.
Inuit Day (International) – November 7
Inuit Day is a celebration dedicated to acknowledging and honoring Inuit culture and contributions, with a primary focus on affirming the voices of Inuit across the circumpolar world. At the 2006 Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) General Assembly in Barrow, Alaska, November 7th was proclaimed Inuit Day to commemorate the birth of ICC founder Eben Hopson. Hopson was a prominent leader in the Arctic who urged Inuit from Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Chukotka to unite in defending Inuit rights and ensuring that no Inuit community is left behind amid the changes and developments occurring in the Arctic.
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Indigenous Veterans Day (National) – November 8
Every year on November 8th, we observe Indigenous Veterans Day to honour the significant contributions and sacrifices made by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in service to Canada. Even before Canada became a nation, Indigenous Peoples have fought to defend our country and its values. Whenever there has been conflict or threats to peace, security, and safety, Indigenous Peoples from across Canada have answered the call. On this day and throughout Veterans’ Week, we express our gratitude to the thousands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals who have served and continue to serve.
Rock Your Mocs - November 10 - 16
Founded in 2011, Rock Your Mocs is a global virtual unity event celebrating Indigenous Peoples, held annually during November, which is National Native American Heritage Month in the U.S. During Rock Your Mocs, participants wear their moccasins, take photos, create videos or stories, and share them on social media using the hashtag #ROCKYOURMOCS. This initiative creates an “online photo album” for the world to appreciate and enjoy.
Louis Riel Day (Ontario) - November 16
Louis Riel Day is a non-statutory holiday observed on November 16th across the Métis homelands, marking the anniversary of Riel’s execution in 1885. That year, Riel led the Métis people during the Northwest Resistance, standing up against the Government of Canada, which was infringing on Métis rights and way of life. He was ultimately tried, convicted of treason, and executed. While Louis Riel Day commemorates a significant tragedy in Canadian history, it also serves as a celebration of Métis culture and the ongoing progress of Métis people in realizing Riel’s vision of their rightful place within Confederation.
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Learn more about Louis Riel Day
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*In Manitoba, Louis Riel Day is a provincial statutory holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February.