Truth and Reconciliation - Key Dates

National Ribbon Skirt Day in Canada is a day to learn more about and to celebrate Indigenous culture, traditions, histories and contributions.

While this day was only recently established, ribbon skirts are traditionally worn by First Nations and Métis peoples and are a centuries-old symbol of identity, adaptation and survival for Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people.

National Indigenous Languages Day is a day for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada to recognize and celebrate the very rich and diverse heritage of Indigenous languages.

March 31 is an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to honour Turtle Island's extensive linguistic legacy. A number of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action speak to protecting Indigenous language rights, including Action 13 - We call upon the federal government to acknowledge that Aboriginal rights include Aboriginal language rights.

Ojibway is an Algonquin language used by the Anishinabek. Here are translations of the seven Grandfather Teachings:

• Dbaadendiziwin - Humility
• Aakwa'ode'ewin - Bravery
• Gwekwaadziwin - Honesty
• Nbwaakaawin - Wisdom
• Debwewin - Truth
• Mnaadendimowin - Respect
• Zaagidwin – Love

The six language families of the Haudenosaunee, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy, are the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. The word Rotinonhsyón:ni is the Mohawk word for Haudenosaunee, while Haudenosaunee is the agreed upon Iroquois Confederacy Council term.

The final report on the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and girls was presented in June 2019 and highlighted systemic causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls, and the underlying social, economic, cultural, institutional, and historical causes that contribute to the ongoing violence and particular vulnerabilities of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.

To learn more visit the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls website.

Important Dates:

May 5 - National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Two-Spirited People

A day to honour Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who have gone missing, had their lives taken too soon, or continue to experience violence. Also known as Red Dress Day, it is a day when people of all backgrounds are encouraged to wear red to honour and help raise awareness about MMIWG, who have and continue to be subjected to disproportionate violence in Canada.

October 4 - National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Two-Spirited People

A day to honour and remember the lives and legacies of both the victims and survivors that have impacted by ongoing violence against women, girls and the 2SLGBTQ+. It is also a day for action, advocacy, support and remembrance for violence that has impacted Indigenous communities.

Moose Hide Campaign Day is a day of ceremony where all Canadians are called to join together to take a stand against violence towards women and children and to take practical steps for our collective journey of reconciliation.

National Indigenous History Month is recognized annually across Canada in the month of June.

During this month, take time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada.

National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated on June 21, is a day to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Celebrating National Indigenous History Month

Indigenous History Month 2022 – Downie & Wenjack Fund

Adopted by the United Nations in 1994, International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is marked each year on August 9 as an opportunity to celebrate these communities and their knowledge.

Powley Day is recognised on September 19th and celebrates the anniversary of a landmark Métis rights victory at the Supreme Court of Canada.

The courts recognised and affirmed distinct Métis people and communities and that their rights were entrenched within Section 35 of Canada’s Constitution.

The Government of Canada passed legislation declaring September 30th a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This day provides an opportunity for us to recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools. It is also a day to honour and remember the survivors, their families, and communities who continue to bear witness to these tragedies.

The Counties recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by raising the Every Child Matters Flag. The flag flies at the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville’s Main Administration Building, located at 25 Central Avenue West in Brockville, Ontario. This year, the flag will be raised from 9:00am on Monday September 23rd, 2024, and will remain raised until Tuesday October 1st, 2024, to align with Truth and Reconciliation Week (September 23rd – September 27th).

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30 and all Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.

Residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad was a catalyst for the day when she shared her story of having her new orange shirt taken from her on the first day at the St. Joseph Mission Residential School in British Columbia. In 1973, she was just six at the time, and the shirt had been a treasured gift from her grandmother.

Phyllis Webstad is from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band) in BC and is the founder of Orange Shirt Society. She continues to tell her story and raise awareness about the impacts of residential school system and promote the concept that “Every Child Matters”.

September 30 was declared Orange Shirt Day in 2013, to recognize the injustices that happened in residential schools, how it has affected so many Indigenous families and communities across generations, and why healing and reconciliation are so important to the future of our country.

In 2021, the federal government created the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30 and all Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.

Learn more at the Orange Shirt Society's website.

Recognized annually in the first week of November, Treaties Recognition Week honours the importance of Treaties and helps Ontario students and residents understand the significance of Treaty rights, Treaty relationships and their relevance today.

International Inuit Day is a day to celebrate the cultural, history, and impact Inuit people have on Canada and around the world.

November 8 marks Indigenous Veterans Day, a day to honour and celebrate the Indigenous Veterans who have served in missions across Canada and around the world in times of war, conflict and peace.

For more information visit the Veterans Affairs Canada website.

Louis Riel Day is held every year on November 16 - the anniversary of his execution in 1885.

Louis Riel was a political leader of the Métis people and founder of the province of Manitoba.