Indigenous Days of Action
This page includes a non-exhaustive list of information on Indigenous Days of Action, including:
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse Individuals (M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+) (February, May, October); and,
- National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (September 30).
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse Individuals (M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+)
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two Spirit and Gender Diverse Individuals (M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+) was launched in 2016 to examine and report on systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous individuals, particularly women and girls who face disproportionately high levels of violence when compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts.
This inquiry is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #41:
"We call upon the federal government, in consultation with Aboriginal organizations, to appoint a public inquiry into the causes of, and remedies for, the disproportionate victimization of Aboriginal women and girls."
Through the Inquiry into M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+ there were four key areas addressed where systemic changes need to be implemented:
- Calls for Justice for All Governments
- Calls for Justice for Industries, Institutions, Services and Partnerships
- Calls for Justice for All Canadians
- Calls for Justice specific to Inuit, Métis, and 2.S.L.G.B.T.Q.Q.I.A.+
To learn more about these areas, please read the inquiry or watch this brief Video Overview to Contextualize the Inquiry into M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+
The Inquiry resulted in Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, a report which determined that persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses were the root cause behind Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The two volume report calls for transformative legal and social changes to resolve the crisis that has devastated Indigenous communities.
The images used for the posters located at City Hall were taken from CBC Missing and Murdered: The Unsolved Cases of Indigenous Women and Girls.
Days associated with M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+
| February 14: Women's Memorial March and the Day to Honour M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+ |
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The Women’s Memorial March (W.M.M) is held every year on 14 February, Valentine’s Day, in cities across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States). The W.M.M started in 1992 in Vancouver, B.C, following the murder of Indigenous woman Cheryl Ann Joe. The first Women’s Memorial March began as a small memorial for Joe, but grew to become an annual march to honour all missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The Vancouver march draws thousands of people, while women’s memorial marches have spread to more than 20 cities across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States). The Day to Honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was created in response to the Women’s Memorial March, first held in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside in 1992. Valentine’s Day has been chosen as a day to hold space and memorialize Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. |
| May 5: National Day of Awareness for M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+ |
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Why do we have a day? May 5 has been designated as a day to pay respect to the victims, raise awareness of the crisis and call on governments to take action to address the racialized and gendered violence inflicted on Indigenous peoples in Canada. Why Red Dresses? Red Dress Day was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project installation, in which she hung empty, red dresses to represent the missing and murdered Indigenous women. Red dresses have become symbolic of the crisis as a result of her installation. Active Concerns |
| May 16: Moose Hide campaign |
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The Moose Hide Campaign is a nationwide movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians from First Nations, local communities, governments, schools, post-secondary institutions, and many other organizations that are committed to taking action to end violence towards women and children. The official Moose Hide Campaign Day is May 16. The cornerstone of the Campaign is the moose hide pin. Wearing a moose hide pin signifies the wearer’s commitment to honour, respect and protect the women and children in their life and speak out against gender-based and domestic violence. In addition to being a symbol against gender-based and domestic violence, moose hide is also a symbol of undoing the effects of Residential Schools. Throughout the month of May, pins will be available at the service counters at City Hall, Civic Recreation Complex, Delpark Homes Centre, Donevan Recreation Complex and South Oshawa Community Centre. Community members are encouraged to visit a facility to pick up a pin and wear the pin in May and beyond. |
Resources and Additional Information
These resources are intended to help guide you to learn more about M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+, and build on your understanding of this current crisis within Canada and find ways to get involved.
| Learn more about M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+ |
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The Final Report of the National Inquiry led to the National Action Plan being developed to help support all levels of government and communities in their steps to reduce the dangers Indigenous Peoples face within Canada.
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Crisis support resources |
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If you or someone you know is affected by gender-based violence, you can find support lines in your region:
Women and Gender Equality Canada's Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre maintains a searchable database of information and resources on gender-based violence:
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Ways to be an Active Ally |
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National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
The City has proclaimed September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Oshawa. This day is an opportunity for Oshawa residents to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools.
The establishment of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is in response to the 80th call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (T.R.C.) which calls for a day to "honour survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process."
| Survivor Flag to Honour Truth and Reconciliation |
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The Survivor Flag, designed by residential school survivors through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, is a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and reconciliation. This flag honours the experiences and stories of survivors, their families, and communities impacted by the residential school system. By flying the Survivor Flag, we acknowledge the historical injustices inflicted upon Indigenous peoples, recognize the ongoing legacies of colonialism, and commit to a path of reconciliation, healing and meaningful relationship building. The Survivor Flag serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of listening to and amplifying Indigenous voices, and working together towards a more just and equitable future.
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| Honouring the Children – Orange Ribbon Memorials |
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In partnership with Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle, the City of Oshawa invited community members to commemorate the children lost to residential schools and support healing in Indigenous communities by tying orange ribbons at one of the five memorials across the city. Starting in 2021, in partnership with Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle, the City of Oshawa invited community members to commemorate the children lost to residential schools and support healing in Indigenous communities by tying orange ribbons at one of the six memorials across the City of Oshawa. Locations:
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