Indigenous Dates of Recognition

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

Events in honor of Bear Witness Day:

Jordan River Anderson: The Messenger Documentary in honor of Bear Witness Day

Thursday May 7, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | A114

Join us for a viewing of the Jordan River Anderson: The Messenger documentary to learn about the story of how the life of Jordan River Anderson initiated a battle for the right of First Nations and Inuit children to receive the same standard of social, health and educational services as the rest of the Canadian population in honor of Bear Witness Day on May 10th.

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

Events in honor of Moose Hide Campaign Day:

Moose Hide Campaign: Information Booth

Tuesday May 12, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | C-Wing Atrium

Moose Hide Campaign Day is a day of ceremony where all Canadians are called to join together and engages men and boys to take a stand against violence toward women and children.
A representative from ISS will be in the C-Wing Atrium to share information and moose hide pins in honor of the annual Moose Hide Campaign Day on May 14th. Feel free to drop by and say hello!

Moose Hide Campaign Day

Thursday May 14, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM | A114 & F114

Join us in the ISS Lounge (A114) and Student Life (F114) on Moose Hide Campaign Day for a virtual event hosted by the Moose Hide Campaign Development Society
Wear your Moose Hide Pin to show your support for ending violence against women and children.
For more information on this event or to view on your own at home, visit: https://events.moosehidecampaign.ca/

June is National Indigenous History Month

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.

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.

National Indigenous History Month

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:

Soaring Spirit Festival & Pow Wow 2026 (multiple dates)
Friday June 19, Sat. June 20 & Sun. June 21 | Various times (see website) | Battlefield Park 77 King St. E., Stoney Creek

Enjoy a weekend of celebrations at the 29th Annual Soaring Spirit Indigenous Festival and Pow Wow in Battlefield Park.
Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day, this three-day event features live music, storytelling, and the awesome Native Arts, Craft, Trade & Food Show. Be sure to experience the POW WOW on Saturday and Sunday, with the powerful sunrise ceremonies, incredible dancing, and the sound of the drums. Open to all, it’s a fun and welcoming event for the whole family to explore Indigenous culture and tradition
For further event information, visit the Soaring Spirit Festival.

City of Hamilton: National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 19, 2026, 1:00pm - 4:00pm, West Harbour - James Street Plaza (3 Guise Street, Hamilton)

Join an afternoon of community, culture, and celebration. Everyone is welcome for a free afternoon of culture, community, and celebration featuring:

Indigenous performances
Indigenous artisan vendors
Local food trucks

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

Events hosted by Indigenous Student Services (ISS):

Stay tuned...

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.