Indigenous Days of Significance

Jan
4
MONTH OF
January

National Ribbon Skirt Day

Honours ribbon skirts as symbols of identity, resilience, and connection to the land.

Jan
13
MONTH OF
January

Indigenous Relations Anniversary

Marks the founding of the University of Waterloo’s Office of Indigenous Relations (2020).

Feb
14
MONTH OF
February

Have a Heart Day

Calls for equity and care for First Nations children and families.

Feb
21
MONTH OF
February

International Mother Language Day

UNESCO day celebrating linguistic diversity and language revitalization.

Mar
19
MONTH OF
March

Two-Spirit Celebration & Awareness Day

Uplifts Two-Spirit and Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ identities and communities.

Mar
22
MONTH OF
March

World Water Day

UN observance spotlighting the importance of freshwater and water stewardship.

Mar
31
MONTH OF
March

National Indigenous Languages Day

Celebrates Indigenous languages as living foundations of culture and identity.

May
5
MONTH OF
May

Red Dress Day / MMIWG2S Awareness Day

Remembrance and action for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

May
10
MONTH OF
May

Bear Witness Day

Raises awareness for Jordan’s Principle so Indigenous children receive equitable services.

May
16
MONTH OF
May

Moose Hide Campaign Day

A day of ceremony and commitment to end violence against women and children.

Jun
1
MONTH OF
June

National Indigenous History Month

Month-long recognition of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis histories and contributions.

Jun
21
MONTH OF
June

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Honours the cultures, heritage, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Jun
21
MONTH OF
June

Summer Solstice

The longest day of the year, widely observed in Indigenous traditions.

Jul
9
MONTH OF
July

Nunavut Day

Celebrates Inuit self-determination and the creation of Nunavut.

Jul
10
MONTH OF
July

Huron Tract Treaty Anniversary

Marks the 1827 Treaty 29 between the Crown and Anishinaabe peoples.

Aug
9
MONTH OF
August

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

UN day recognizing Indigenous rights, cultures, and contributions worldwide.

Sep
19
MONTH OF
September

Powley Day (Ontario)

Commemorates the Supreme Court decision affirming Métis harvesting rights.

Sep
27
MONTH OF
September

WISC Pow Wow (Last Saturday in September)

Annual cultural gathering hosted by the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre.

Sep
30
MONTH OF
September

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Honours Survivors, their families, and communities; a federal day of remembrance and learning.

Sep
30
MONTH OF
September

Orange Shirt Day

Remembrance of residential school impacts with the message ‘Every Child Matters.’

Oct
4
MONTH OF
October

National Day of Action for MMIWG2S

Calls for justice and healing for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.

Oct
13
MONTH OF
October

Indigenous Peoples Day (U.S.)

Observed by many U.S. jurisdictions in place of Columbus Day to honour Indigenous peoples.

Oct
25
MONTH OF
October

Haldimand Treaty Anniversary

Recognizes the 1784 proclamation granting Grand River lands to the Haudenosaunee.

Nov
1
MONTH OF
November

Indigenous Disability Awareness Month

Raises awareness of barriers and celebrates contributions of Indigenous peoples with disabilities.

Nov
3
1st Week of Novemeber
MONTH OF
November

Treaties Recognition Week (Ontario)

Encourages learning about treaty rights and responsibilities across Ontario.

Nov
7
MONTH OF
November

Inuit Day (International)

Affirms Inuit voices and celebrates culture across the circumpolar world.

Nov
8
MONTH OF
November

Indigenous Veterans Day (National)

Honours the service and sacrifices of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans.

Nov
15
MONTH OF
November

Rock Your Mocs

Wear moccasins and share to honour Indigenous traditions and unity.

Nov
16
MONTH OF
November

Louis Riel Day (Ontario)

Commemorates Louis Riel and the Métis struggle for rights and recognition.

Dec
21
MONTH OF
December

Winter Solstice

Marks the shortest day and longest night; a time of reflection in many traditions.

Mar
20
MONTH OF
March

Two-Spirit Celebration & Awareness Day (Spring Equinox)

Equinox observance uplifting Two-Spirit and Indigenous queer communities.