Indigenous Dates of Recognition

Indigenous Nurses Day is commemorated annually on April 10 to honour the contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis nurses, educators, and students across Canada. This date marks the birthday of Charlotte Edith Anderson Monture, a Kanien'kehá:ka woman and the first Indigenous Registered Nurse in Canada. Read more. 

May 5 is the National Day of awareness and remembrance for the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWG2S), also known as "Red Dress Day," coined by Métis artist Jaime Black as "an aesthetic response to this critical national issue." Read more.

Events in honor of National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples (MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+):

MMIWG2S+ Reflective Walk

Date: May 5, 2026
Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: i101, Fennell Campus

Please join us for a reflective walk led by Indigenous Counsellor Elizabeth Gray, in recognition of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People (MMIWG2S+) Day.

This gentle walk offers space for remembrance, reflection, and solidarity, honouring those who have been lost and acknowledging the ongoing impacts of violence in Indigenous communities.

ISS has been working collaboratively with Students Rights & Responsibility Office. 

Starting point will be in i101 where a smudge will be available. 

Tea, coffee and Indian cookies will be available before/after the walk. 

MMIWG+ Speaker: Fallon Farinacci

Date: May 13, 2026
Time: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Location: i101, Fennell Campus

Join Indigenous Student Services and Student Rights and Responsibilities Office as we host Fallon Farinacci.

Fallon is a proud Red River Métis, she is a speaker, survivor, and advocate for MMIWG (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls). Fallon has cultivated an incredible community and uses her online platform to share her story, give back to the Indigenous community, and raise awareness for causes and organizations close to her heart. Fallon continues to share her family’s story & bring awareness to the ongoing Genocide Indigenous women, girls 2S+ folx face in hopes of bringing change and awareness across Turtle Island. Light refreshments will be provided. All members of the Mohawk College community are welcome.

Due to the limited seats, please register here MMIWG+ Speaker: Fallon Farinacci, May 13th – Fill out form

May 10 is Bear Witness Day, a national day of action to honour Jordan River Anderson and his family and to call for the full implementation of Jordan’s Principle, the legal rule ensuring First Nations children receive the services and supports they need, when they need them. 

Bear Witness Day | First Nations Child & Family Caring Society

The Moose Hide Campaign began as a BC-born Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and children. It has since grown into a nationwide movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians from local communities, First Nations, governments, schools, colleges/universities, police forces and many other organizations – all committed to taking action to end this violence.

The Moose Hide Campaign - Moose Hide Campaign

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month
It's a time for everyone - Indigenous, non-Indigenous and newcomers - to reflect upon and learn the history, sacrifices, cultures, contributions, and strength of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. It’s important to keep in mind that First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples each have their own unique histories. And within each group, there are distinct histories.

Indigenous Peoples Day: June 21st
The summer solstice is a day that Indigenous peoples around the world have celebrated for thousands of years. The Earth’s northern hemisphere is tilted as close as it gets toward the sun, and we enjoy the longest day of light in the year.

Across the land, First Nations will gather and share in ceremonies and traditions that have been carried out for thousands of years. We gather to celebrate and to thank Mother Earth for her gifts. And we gather to celebrate our languages, cultures and ceremonies, which have persevered and prevailed.

In Canada on June 21st, the summer solstice celebration has become National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day of celebration for the contributions and cultures of Indigenous peoples.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Looking to get involved in Indigenous Peoples Day events? Here’s a look at some of the events going on in the community:

Stayed tuned for list of community events.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, observed on August 9, aims to raise awareness about the rights and cultures of indigenous communities worldwide.

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples | UNESCO

Powley Day, celebrated on September 19, commemorates the landmark Supreme Court decision in R v Powley, which recognized the rights of the Métis people in Canada.

September 19 is Powley Day - Métis Nation of Ontario

Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are observed on September 30 to honor Indigenous children affected by the residential school system and to promote awareness and reconciliation in Canada.

It is a day to honour and remember the children taken from their families, those who never returned home, and the individuals, families and communities still living with the lasting impacts and trauma caused by the residential school system in Canada. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Canada.ca

Orange Shirt Day | Mohawk College

October 4 is recognized as the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), established in 2017. This day honors the victims of MMIWG and raises awareness about the violence faced by Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals. 

National Day of Action for MMIWG2S

This annual event honours the importance of Treaties and helps students and residents of Ontario learn more about Treaty rights and relationships. By learning more about our collective Treaty rights and obligations, we can create greater understanding and nurture relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Treaties Recognition Week | ontario.ca

November 7 is celebrated as International Inuit Day, honoring Inuit culture, language, and leadership across circumpolar regions.

Inuit Day: Celebrating the language and culture of Inuit in Canada and internationally

Every year on November 8, Indigenous Veterans Day is recognized across Canada. Established in 1994, it serves not only as a time to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Indigenous Veterans, but also as a moment to acknowledge the historical injustices many faced during and after their military service.

Beyond Remembrance: The meaning of Indigenous Veterans Day - Canada.ca

Louis Riel Day is observed on November 16, commemorating the anniversary of Riel's execution in 1885. This day recognizes Riel's contributions as a Métis leader and his role in the Northwest Resistance, which was a stand against the Government of Canada for Métis rights and way of life. 

Louis Riel Day - November 16 | Métis Culture & Heritage

Connect with iess [at] mohawkcollege.ca (iess[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca) for more information on coordinating events taking place at Mohawk College.