Dates of Recognition

Anniversary of the Death of Dudley George: September 6

Anthony "Dudley" George was 38 years old the night he died on Sept. 6, 1995, after Ontario Provincial Police tried to remove people of the Stony Point (Aazhoodena) community, part of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, who for three days had occupied land near the territory taken from them by the federal government. 

His family was one of 18 relocated from Stony Point First Nation in 1942, after the government expropriated the land to build a military base, to the nearby Kettle Point reserve. Ottawa promised to give back the land, near Sarnia, Ont., once the Second World War ended—a promise it did not keep.

George and others moved back to Stony Point, then known as Camp Ipperwash, in 1993. The dispute simmered until two years later, after waiting for seasonal campers to leave, several community members occupied nearby Ipperwash Provincial Park on the Labour Day weekend, hoping to spark change.

Dressed in riot gear and heavily armed, the OPP then tried to clear the park with a nighttime raid, killing George, who was unarmed. Source

Powley Day: September 19

Powley Day marks the 2003 Supreme Court decision affirming Métis harvesting rights in Canada. It celebrates the victory of Steve and Roddy Powley, recognizing Métis as rights-bearing Indigenous peoples under Section 35 of the Constitution, and affirms their distinct culture, identity, and traditions.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honour the Survivors of residential schools, remember those who never returned home, and support their families and communities. It is a day to reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonialism and the legacy of residential schools in Canada. This day calls on all Canadians to listen, learn, and take meaningful action toward reconciliation.

Orange Shirt Day: September 30

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots initiative to raise awareness of the intergenerational, personal, family, and community impacts of residential schools. It affirms the message that “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, identity, and self-worth experienced by Indigenous children in residential schools.

Treaties Recognition Week: first week of November

In the AMDSB, we abide by several treaties: Dish with One Spoon, Two Row Wampum, and Treaties 29 and 45 ½.

A treaty is an agreement between two sovereign nations. Treaties 29 and 45 ½ are agreements between the Crown and Anishinaabeg Nations. 

First Nations people view the treaties as covenants that establish relationships between nations. Indigenous leaders signed the treaties believing they would share in the bounty that came from the land.

Treaties were often signed by First Nations leaders who did not fully understand the European concept of land ownership. First Nations people know the land as a mother, not a commodity that can be bought and sold.

Indigenous Veterans' Day: November 8

The First Nations, Metis, and Inuit have a long and proud tradition of military service to Canada. To serve, many had to learn a new language, adapt to cultural differences, and travel great distances from their remote communities. ​Indigenous soldiers brought valuable skills to the military, like patience and marksmanship. 

After they returned to civilian life, Canada did not treat Indigenous Veterans equally to other Veterans. 

On November 8, Indigenous Veteran’s Day, we honour their contributions and for some, their ultimate sacrifice.

Rock Your Mocs Week: second week of November

This week, we want you to #RockYourMocs! Post a photo, video, or story of you wherever your moccasins take you. #RockYourMocs is about unifying Indigenous Peoples globally through social media, promoting cultural pride, and showcasing the diversity of Indigenous nations.

Métis Week: Week of Louis Riel Day (November 16)

Métis Week is a time to celebrate and honour the rich culture, history, and contributions of the Métis Nation in Canada. During Métis Week, communities come together to share stories, music, traditional foods, and cultural teachings, helping to strengthen Métis identity and pride. It is a week for all Canadians to learn about the distinct culture experiences of the Métis.

Louis Riel Day: November 16

Louis Riel dedicated his life to protecting Métis rights, culture, and land. He was instrumental in bringing the new province of Manitoba into Confederation.

Riel was executed for his role in the 1885 resistance to encroachment on Métis lands.

Today we remember Louis Riel by recognizing his advocacy for the protection of the rights and culture of the Métis Nation.

Winter Solstice: December 21

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year. For the Anishinaabe, this day is known as Gichi Magoshe Giizhigan, signalling the start of a season dedicated to teachings and storytelling. 

During winter’s long, dark evenings, with snow and wind swirling outside, families gather indoors. It’s a time to pass down wisdom, entertain, and strengthen bonds through the art of storytelling, enriching the next generation while fostering close family connections. 

At the Winter Solstice, Inuit celebrate Quviasukvik, the winter feast that celebrates the coming year and placates the roaming spirits for good luck in the year to come.

National Ribbon Skirt Day: January 4

On January 4, we honour and celebrate the beauty, tradition, and significance of ribbon skirts in Indigenous cultures. Ribbon skirts are a strong symbol of heritage and unity. We recognize the vibrant colours, stories, and craftsmanship woven into each skirt, and honour the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities. 

Many First Nations across Turtle Island have a tradition of wearing ribbon skirts and they all have their own stories and protocol around them.

Have a Heart Day: February 14

Have a Heart Day brings people all across Canada together to help ensure First Nations children have the services they need to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are.

Two-Spirit Celebration and Awareness Day: March 19

This day celebrates the radiance and diversity of Two-Spirit identities, expression, and experience that have always existed across Turtle Island.

National Indigenous Languages Day: March 31

Indigenous languages are at the heart of who Indigenous Peoples are. Language is a fundamental aspect of worldview, culture and how identity is expressed and passed on to future generations. 

National Indigenous Languages Day acknowledges the spirit and determination of the many language champions, Elders, youth, and their allies, who inspire hope and underscore the importance of Indigenous languages.

Daniels Decision Day: April 14

On April 14, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the federal government, not the provinces, is responsible for Métis and Non-Status Indigenous people under section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867. The unanimous decision recognized that these groups fall under federal jurisdiction as Indigenous in constitutional terms. This landmark ruling clarified the federal government's duty to address the rights and needs of nearly 600,000 Métis and Non-Status individuals in Canada. 

​​National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ Peoples: May 5

This National Day of Awareness (also known as Red Dress Day) is observed on May 5th in Canada. It is a day to honour and remember the countless Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, and gender diverse people who have experienced disproportionate violence in Canada. 

On May 5, you are encouraged to wear red in honour of, and to raise awareness of the thousands of stolen sisters across the country. 

Moose Hide Campaign Day: May 16

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. 

Wearing a moose hide pin signifies a commitment to honour, respect, and protect women and children and to speak out against gender-based and domestic violence. 

National Indigenous History Month: June

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. This is an opportunity to celebrate the unique cultures, traditions, and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. 

It is a time to honour the stories, achievements, strength, and diversity of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial.

National Indigenous Peoples Day: June 21

June 21, the summer solstice, holds special significance for First Nations Peoples, Métis, and Inuit. 

We dedicate the longest day of the year to celebrating and elevating Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and cultures.

It is a chance for us to recognize the past, present, and future contributions of Indigenous Peoples on this land.

Summer Solstice: June 21

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and is a day with spiritual and cultural significance. It signifies the beginning of summer and symbolizes a new season of life. The summer solstice is a day for celebration and a chance to start fresh and leave past burdens behind. 

The solstice is the start of the social season for many nations—it is the beginning of the powwow season.

Nunavut Day: July 9

Nunavut Day marks when Parliament passed the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act, which went into effect July 9, 1993. This led to the creation of Nunavut and the protection of Inuit rights to land, culture, and self-determination. Through the creation of Nunavut, Inuit gained greater control over their land, resources, and political decisions. This autonomy allows Inuit to lead in shaping education, language, health, and cultural preservation based on their values and traditions. On Nunavut Day, we celebrate the culture, strength, and achievements of Nunavummiut. 

Huron Tract Treaty (1827) Anniversary: July 10 

The Huron Tract Treaty (also known as Treaty 29) was signed by 18 Anishinaabek leaders in July 1827 in Amherstburg. The purpose of the treaty was to remove First Nations People from the land, disrupt their traditional practices by settling them on small reserves, and open their land up for European settlement. After signing the Huron Tract Treaty, the Anishinaabeg people lost 99% of their traditional territory. This is a day to learn more about our obligations as treaty partners.

Saugeen Treaty (1836) Anniversary: August 9

The Saugeen Tract Agreement (also known as Treaty 45 1/2) was signed in August 1836 at the same time as Treaty 45. To understand Saugeen Treaty, we need to know something about Treaty 45 or the Manitoulin Treaty. Different from most treaties, Treaty 45 ceded Crown land, in this case, Manitoulin Island, to First Nations people. Lieutenant Governor Francis Bond Head’s idea was to make all of Manitoulin Island and the land north of Owen Sound places where First Nations people from all over what was then known as Upper Canada would move. He thought that Indigenous people should live completely separately from settler society. There was no land reserved for First Nations people in the text of Treaty 45 1/2. 

In 1863, the Manitoulin Island Treaty (also known as Treaty 94) was signed following pressure from settlers and government officials to open the island for colonization, despite earlier promises that the island would remain a permanent home for Indigenous peoples. The government used the rationale that Manitoulin Island had not been populated sufficiently.