As an Indigenous organization, we are deeply committed to supporting our communities in meaningful ways. One of the ways we do this is by raising awareness and sharing knowledge about important events and days that hold cultural, historical, or social significance to our people.
We recognize the importance of these occasions not only for honouring our culture and traditions but also for fostering a sense of unity and pride within our communities. By highlighting these events, we aim to educate, engage, and inspire everyone to come together in celebration, reflection, and mutual respect. We believe that by providing this knowledge, we can help bridge gaps in understanding, promote cultural appreciation, and build stronger, more inclusive connections both within and beyond our community.
Our goal is to ensure that these important days are recognized, respected, and remembered, and that our communities feel seen and valued in all aspects of society. We invite everyone to join us in this journey of learning, and honouring our Indigenous peoples; First Nations, Métis and Inuit.
Bear Witness Day
May 6, 2025
On May 10, we invite you to join us in honouring Bear Witness Day—a powerful moment in our collective journey for justice, equity, and fairness for First Nations children.
This day is named in honour of Jordan River Anderson, a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation. His story gave rise to Jordan’s Principle, a legal obligation ensuring First Nations children have equitable access to the services they need, when they need them.
As educators shaping the earliest experiences of children, Bear Witness Day reminds us to hold space with cultural humility—to listen deeply, reflect honestly, and act meaningfully.
Ways ECEs Can Honour Bear Witness Day
🧸 Display teddy bears in your classroom to “bear witness”
🎨 Invite children to share what fairness and care mean to them through art
📚 Read Spirit Bear stories to introduce Jordan’s Principle with compassion
🧡 Wear orange or bear-themed clothing in solidarity
🗣 Reflect as a staff team on how your environment supports equity for Indigenous children
Resources to Support You
- Jordan’s Principle – Government of Canada
canada.ca/jordans-principle - First Nations Child and Family Caring Society – Bear Witness Day
fncaringsociety.com/BearWitness - Spirit Bear and Jordan’s Principle Video (Short film by APTN)
🎥 Watch here - Spirit Bear Book Series for Classrooms
📚 fncaringsociety.com/publications/spirit-bear-books
Red Dress Day, a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ People
April 28, 2025
On May 5, we come together to honour Red Dress Day, a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ People.
Red Dress Day, inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s powerful installation, calls us to remember those who are missing and taken, and to raise our collective voices for justice, healing, and change.
As educators, we have a unique opportunity to create gentle awareness within our learning environments while holding cultural humility — a commitment to listen, learn, and honour Indigenous experiences and leadership.
Here are ways you can acknowledge Red Dress Day with young children and families:
🌹 Wear Red: Staff are encouraged to wear red in solidarity. Share with children that red is a special colour used to honour important people.
🌹 Create a Gentle Display: Set up a quiet space with red fabric, ribbons, or a simple red dress. Include a short message for families about the significance of the day, respecting the sensitive nature of the topic.
🌹 Storytelling and Art: Engage children in creating red hearts, flowers, or fabric art while discussing kindness, community, and care for all people.
🌹 Educator Reflection: Take time as a team to learn more about the history and ongoing impact of MMIWG2S. Resources will be provided to support personal and professional reflection.
🌹 Communicate Thoughtfully: Share a message with families (like this one) about Red Dress Day, ensuring that the focus remains on respect, honour, and solidarity, rather than graphic details.
Canadian Resources to Learn More
- National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls – Final Report (Download PDF) : The National Inquiry’s Final Report and Calls for Justice
- Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) : Provides a toolkit with information and resources for Red Dress Day
- Red Dress Day Information from CBC : CBC Kids News article
- Office of the Treaty Commissioner :Features a booklet on window art activities related to MMIWG
Remember:
Our goal is not to teach the traumatic details to young children, but to model respect, empathy, and allyship in age-appropriate and culturally respectful ways.
We thank you for joining us in standing in solidarity, raising awareness, and continuing the journey toward justice and healing.
Heart Learning – A Journey of Allyship and Reciprocity
February 11, 2025
Entewatia’taro:roke (We Will Gather), Honouring Our Languages
February 4, 2025
Recognizing Early Childhood Educators
October 24, 2024
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Orange Shirt Day September 30th