September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), a time to honour residential school survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities. It’s a day for reflection, learning, and action—especially within our schools. It is also a time to focus on Reconciliation—highlighting how Indigenous Nations continue to survive, resist, and thrive today. Residential Schools are part of the story, but not the whole story.
This day was established in response to Call to Action #80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and aligns with Orange Shirt Day, inspired by survivor Phyllis Webstad. Her story of having her orange shirt taken away on her first day of residential school has become a symbol of the loss of identity and culture experienced by Indigenous children.
September 19 – Powley Day
Powley Day, observed annually on September 19, commemorates a landmark legal victory for Métis rights in Canada. It marks the anniversary of the 2003 Supreme Court of Canada decision in R v Powley, which was the first to affirm that Métis people have constitutionally protected Aboriginal rights under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The case confirmed that Métis are a distinct Indigenous people with their own communities, culture, and identity that existed before Canada became a country. This was a legal victory for harvesting rights. Steve and Roddy Powley, members of the Sault Ste. Marie Métis community, were charged for hunting without a license. The Supreme Court ruled they had the ancestral right to harvest for food, protected under Section 35. Powley paved the way for further legal and political advancements, including self-government agreements and increased recognition of Métis rights across Canada.
October 4 – Sisters in Spirit Day
On October 4th, communities across Canada gather to remember the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Events and vigils are held nationwide to raise awareness and demand that the government address the systemic causes of this violence and injustice and ensure justice for the victims.
Sisters in Spirit was initiated by the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) in 2005. Visit Native Women’s Association of Canada for more information.
November – Indigenous Education Month
November is Indigenous Education Month, a meaningful time for educators and students to deepen their understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples—past and present.
Treaty Recognition Week (1st week in November)
Treaties Recognition Week, observed during the first week of November, is a time to help students understand the importance of treaties and the relationships they represent between Indigenous Nations and the Crown. Treaties are foundational to Canada’s history and continue to shape our present and future. Whether you are a Canadian who has lived here for many years or are a newcomer, you are in a treaty relationship with the Indigenous Peoples of this land through your citizenship as a Canadian. These agreements are not just a part of the past, they are living documents and are still relevant today.
“It’s important that Canadians understand that this country’s peaceful settlement was only made possible because Indigenous peoples agreed to accept treaty relationships that recognized their nationhood and promised that their lands and resources would be equitably shared.” – Maurice Switzer
November 7th – International Inuit Day
Inuit Day, also known as International Inuit Day, is observed annually on November 7 to celebrate the heritage, resilience, and cultural contributions of Inuit across the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and Russia. Most Inuit live in 51 communities spread across the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (Northwest Territories), Nunavut, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), and Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador). They call this vast region Inuit Nunangat. It encompasses 40% of Canada’s land area and 72% of its coastline.
This day recognizes the rich traditions, languages, and regional distinctions among Inuit Communities. It highlights their deep connection to the land, sea, and ice, and their ability to thrive in some of the harshest environments on earth.
November 8th – Indigenous Veterans Day
Indigenous Veterans Day is observed annually on November 8 in Canada to honour the military service, courage, and sacrifices of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans. Indigenous Peoples have served with pride in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and later Canadian Armed Forces efforts. While exact numbers are difficult to determine, it is estimated that as many as 12,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people served in the major conflicts of the 20th century, with at least 500 losing their lives.
This day also recognizes Indigenous veterans and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces whose service continues to strengthen communities, support peacekeeping efforts, and protect people in Canada and around the world. It is also a time to acknowledge the injustices many Indigenous veterans faced upon returning home, including discrimination, denial of benefits, loss of legal status, and the expropriation of land.
Indigenous Veterans Day honours their bravery, acknowledges these injustices, and supports ongoing healing and reconciliation.
November 16th – Louis Riel Day
Born in St. Boniface in 1844, the French-speaking Métis boy was sent to Montreal to be educated and subsequently became an apprentice to a Quebec based lawyer. Shortly after, Louis left the city to return to the Red River settlement and his destiny. After the Hudson’s Bay Company surrendered Rupert’s Land to the Government of Canada, the Métis were left without representation. Louis Riel stepped in and co-founded the Provisional Government of Red River, which was used as a guiding body to usher the west into the Dominion peacefully and to assure that the concerns of the Métis were heard. Through his leadership, the province of Manitoba was founded. In 1884, answering a desperate call sent out from his people, Riel returned to Canada and, once again, demanded equal treatment for the Métis. His plea was answered with a military response and the Northwest Resistance ensued. Riel surrendered on May 15, 1885 and was condemned to death and hung for High Treason by the very country he helped to build. Every year on November 16th, the anniversary of the death of their most honoured leader, Métis people from across the homeland band together to remember the man, his cause and his legacy.
Winter Solstice and Connections to Indigenous Nations
Around December 21 is the Winter Solstice—the shortest day and longest night of the year. From this day on the days will slowly start to get longer again as we move toward spring.
For many Indigenous peoples across North America, the Winter Solstice is a very special time. It marks a time of rest, reflection, and renewal. Some Indigenous nations hold ceremonies, tell stories, and gather with family and community to honour the changing of the seasons.
The Winter Solstice reminds us of the importance of our relationship with nature, the cycles of the Earth, and the wisdom passed down through generations. It’s a time to slow down, be thankful, and look forward to the light returning.
January 4th – National Ribbon Skirt Day
National Ribbon Skirt Day is a special day to celebrate the strength, culture, and pride of Indigenous people.
A ribbon skirt is a beautiful and meaningful piece of clothing. It’s often handmade and decorated with colorful ribbons that represent important things like family, nature, and community. Ribbon skirts are worn during ceremonies and special events, and they show pride in Indigenous identity.
This day became official because of a brave young girl named Isabella Kulak from Cote First Nation in Saskatchewan. In December 2020, Isabella wore her ribbon skirt to school for a special dress-up day. But someone told her it wasn’t “formal” enough. That made her feel sad—but her family and community stood by her. Soon, people across Canada showed support by wearing ribbon skirts, shirts, and vests, and sharing kind messages.
Because of Isabella’s courage, the Canadian government made January 4th National Ribbon Skirt Day, starting in 2023. Now, every year on this day, we celebrate the right to be proud of who we are and where we come from.
If you see someone wearing a ribbon skirt, shirt, or vest today, it’s a sign of strength, culture, and love.
Spring Equinox
Around March 21st is the Spring Equinox! That means on this day, the day and night are almost the same length. From now on, the days will start getting longer, and we’ll see more sunshine, warmer weather, and signs of spring all around us.
For many Indigenous communities across North America, the Spring Equinox is a very special time. It marks a new beginning—a time for growth, renewal, and balance. Some Indigenous nations hold ceremonies to welcome the new season, give thanks to the Earth, and celebrate the return of life after winter.
Spring is a time to plant seeds, not just in the ground, but also in our hearts and minds. It’s a great time to set goals, be kind, and take care of ourselves, each other, and the land.
March 31st – National Indigenous Languages Day
March 31st is National Indigenous Languages Day—a special day to celebrate the many Indigenous languages spoken across North America. These languages are an important part of our history, culture, and identity on these lands.
Did you know there are over 100 different Indigenous languages spoken across North America? Some of them include Cree, Ojibwe, Mohawk, Inuktitut, and Mi’kmaq. These languages carry stories, songs, and traditions that have been passed down for generations.
Let’s take a moment today to honour and respect Indigenous peoples and their languages. You can celebrate by learning how to say “hello” or “thank you” in an Indigenous language, listening to a traditional story, or reading a book by an Indigenous author.
May 5th – Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Day
On May 5, we recognize the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People, also known as Red Dress Day.
This day is a time to honor and remember the thousands of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who have gone missing or been victims of violence across Canada and the United States. It is also a time to stand in solidarity with their families and communities, who continue to seek justice and healing.
The red dress has become a powerful symbol of this movement. You may see red dresses hanging in windows, on trees, or worn by people today. These dresses represent the lives that have been lost and the voices that must be heard.
May 10th – Jordan’s Principle Day
May 10th is a very special day called Jordan’s Principle Day. This day helps us remember a little boy named Jordan River Anderson, from the Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba.
Jordan was a kind and happy child who needed special care because of his health. But instead of getting the help he needed right away, different parts of the government argued about who should pay for it. Sadly, Jordan passed away before he could go home.
Because of Jordan, a new rule was made: Jordan’s Principle. It says that all First Nations children should get the help they need, when they need it, no matter where they live or who is supposed to pay. It’s about fairness, kindness, and making sure every child is treated with respect. So today, let’s remember Jordan by being kind, standing up for fairness, and making sure everyone feels included and cared for. Every child matters. Every child deserves care.
June is National Indigenous History Month
The month of June is a very special time in Canada. It’s National Indigenous History Month—a time to learn about and celebrate the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples who have lived on this land for thousands of years.
All month long, we’ll be learning about the languages, stories, music, art, and traditions of Indigenous Peoples. These cultures are full of wisdom, creativity, and deep respect for the Earth and all living things.
You might hear a traditional song, read a story by an Indigenous author, or learn a word in an Indigenous language. Every little thing we learn helps us understand and appreciate the rich history and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Let’s celebrate this month with open hearts and curious minds—and remember that every day is a good day to learn something new.
June 21st – National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21st is a day of dual significance. It marks the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, and it is also National Indigenous Peoples Day—a time to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada.
This day invites us to reflect on the deep and enduring relationships Indigenous Peoples have with the land, relationships that have been nurtured for thousands of years. It’s also an opportunity to learn about the strength, resilience, and knowledge systems that continue to shape our country today.
Many Indigenous communities celebrate the Summer Solstice with ceremonies, gatherings, and cultural expressions that honour the sun, the seasons, and the cycles of life. These traditions remind us of the importance of balance, connection, and respect—for the Earth and for one another.
As we move through this day, let’s take time to listen, to learn, and to celebrate the voices and stories that have too often been overlooked. Whether through music, art, language, or history, there is so much to discover—and so much to honour.