Powley Day - September 19
Every year on September 19th, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and Métis communities across the province mark Powley Day to remember the decade long fight led by the MNO with Steve and Roddy Powley for recognition of Métis harvesting rights in the R. v. Powley case.
Learn More at metisnation.org
Treaties Recognition Week - November
Treaty Education Week is recognized the first full school week of November. This is a reoccurring opportunity to intentionally deepen our knowledge and understanding of Treaties, Indigenous perspectives, our collective history, and align with #62 & #63 of the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action.
Learn More at www.ontario.ca/page/treaties
Louis Riel Day - November 16
Louis Riel Day is held every year on November 16 across the Métis homelands. The day commemorates the anniversary of Riel’s execution in 1885. It also is a day to celebrate Métis culture and history and recognize the many contributions of the Métis to Canada, and to highlight the struggles that Métis continue to face.
Learn More at Métis Nation of Ontario
Bear Witness Day - May 10
In December of 2007, the House of Commons passed a unanimous motion to support Jordan's Principle named after Jordan River Anderson, a First Nations child from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba. Born with complex medical needs, Jordan spent more than two years unnecessarily in hospital while the Province of Manitoba and the federal government argued over who should pay for his home care. Jordan died in hospital at the age of five having never spent a day in his family home.
Learn More
Orange Shirt Day - September 30
Orange Shirt Day is a national movement to recognize the experience of survivors of Indian residential schools, honour them, and show a collective commitment to ensure that every child matters. The initiative calls for every Canadian to wear an orange shirt on September 30 in the spirit of healing and reconciliation.
Learn More at orangeshirtday.org
Indigenous Veterans Day - November 8
Indigenous people in Canada have reason to be proud of their wartime contributions. More than 7,000 First Nations members served in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War, and an unknown number of Inuit, Métis and other Indigenous people also participated. One Veterans group estimates that 12,000 Indigenous men and women served in the three wars.
Learn More at Veterans Affairs Canada
National Indigenous Peoples Day - June 21
In cooperation with Indigenous Peoples’ national organizations, the Government of Canada designated June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day, a celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ culture and heritage. This date was chosen because it corresponds to the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and because for generations, many Indigenous Peoples’ groups have celebrated their culture and heritage at this time of year.