Walking Together: 2025 UFCW Indigenous Committee Calendar

UFCW Canada is proud to introduce its first-ever Indigenous Calendar, created in collaboration with the UFCW Canada Indigenous Committee and the Assembly of Seven Generations (A7G). This groundbreaking calendar marks an important step in recognizing and honouring Indigenous cultures, traditions, and histories.

The calendar highlights significant dates that are meaningful to Indigenous communities across Canada, including cultural ceremonies, seasonal events, and moments of historical importance. These dates are not bound by the conventional Gregorian calendar but instead honour Indigenous cycles of the land, the natural world, and spiritual practices. The collaboration with the UFCW Indigenous Committee ensures that the calendar is a true reflection of Indigenous voices, traditions, and perspectives.

Much of the artwork featured in UFCW Canada's Indigenous Calendar showcases the incredible talent and creativity of Indigenous youth across Canada. This artwork was selected through a contest, organized by the UFCW Indigenous Committee in partnership with the Assembly of Seven Generations (A7G). The chosen pieces reflect the diverse cultural expressions, stories, and perspectives of young Indigenous artists, offering a fresh, vibrant lens through which to view contemporary Indigenous experiences. Each piece is a powerful representation of tradition, identity, and the future of Indigenous communities, highlighting the unique voices of the next generation.

This calendar is not just a tool for marking days; it is a celebration of Indigenous resilience, culture, and knowledge. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing work of decolonization and the importance of preserving and sharing Indigenous ways of knowing. UFCW Canada’s Indigenous Calendar is a powerful symbol of respect, education, and reconciliation, and it provides a meaningful way for all to connect with Indigenous days of significance and cultural practices.

Download the digital PDF of the 2025 Indigenous Calendar here.

Significant Dates:

• January 4: Ribbon Skirt Day – Ribbon Skirt Day honours the cultural significance of ribbon skirts, symbolizing Indigenous identity, resilience, and pride. This day encourages reflection on the power of tradition and cultural expression in Indigenous communities.
   
• February 14: Have a Heart Day – Have a Heart Day advocates for the rights of Indigenous children, emphasizing the need for equitable health, education, and safety. It promotes the well-being and future of Indigenous youth across the country.
   
• February 17: Louis Riel Day – Louis Riel Day commemorates the life of the Métis leader who fought for the rights of his people and played a pivotal role in the creation of Manitoba. This day reflects on his enduring legacy of resistance and leadership.
   
• February 21: International Mother Language Day – International Mother Language Day promotes the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages, which are essential to cultural identity and heritage. It highlights the importance of linguistic diversity worldwide.
   
• March 19: Two-Spirit Celebration and Awareness Day – Two-Spirit Day celebrates the diverse identities within Indigenous cultures and raises awareness of Two-Spirit peoples. It is a day of recognition for the unique roles that Two-Spirit individuals play in Indigenous communities.
   
• March 21: Spring Equinox – The Spring Equinox marks a time of balance and renewal in many Indigenous traditions. It represents the changing of seasons and is often seen as a moment for reflection, growth, and spiritual connection to the earth.
   
• March 22: World Water Day – World Water Day emphasizes the vital importance of water to all life and raises awareness about the threats to clean water sources. Indigenous peoples’ deep connection to water is celebrated and recognized on this day.
   
• March 31: National Indigenous Language Day – National Indigenous Language Day highlights the need to preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages, which are crucial for cultural survival. This day honours the efforts of communities working to keep their languages alive.
   
• April 5-14: Toonik Tyme – Toonik Tyme is an Inuit festival celebrating the return of spring with cultural events, storytelling, and traditional practices. It is a time for communities to come together and honour their Inuit heritage.
   
• April 22: Mother Earth Day – Mother Earth Day is dedicated to honouring the planet and recognizing the deep spiritual and cultural connection that Indigenous peoples have with the land. It is a reminder to care for and protect the Earth for future generations.
   
• May 5: Red Dress Day – Red Dress Day raises awareness about the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit peoples. The display of red dresses symbolizes the loss and the call for justice and healing.
   
• May 10: Bear Witness Day – Bear Witness Day honours Jordan River Anderson and encourages people to "Bear Witness" to ensure full implementation of Jordan's Principle. Despite several non-compliance orders from 2016 to 2017, Canada’s progress has been slow in ensuring that First Nations children receive the services they need, when they need them.
   
• May 16: Moose Hide Campaign Day – Moose Hide Campaign Day focuses on ending violence against Indigenous women and children. The campaign involves wearing moose hide as a symbol of commitment to standing up against violence and supporting survivors.
   
• June: National Indigenous History Month – National Indigenous History Month celebrates the contributions, cultures, and histories of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is a time to reflect on their ongoing resilience and cultural vitality.
   
• June 3: Anniversary of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls – This anniversary marks the release of the National Inquiry’s final report, which addresses the violence faced by Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit peoples. It is a day to reflect on the calls for justice and action.
   
• June 11: National Day of Reconciliation – National Day of Reconciliation is a time to reflect on the progress made towards reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. It emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue and healing.
   
• June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day – National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrates the cultures, languages, and traditions of Indigenous peoples across Canada. It is a day to recognize their contributions and to honour their past, present, and future.
   
• June 21: Summer Solstice – The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year, a time of celebration and renewal in many Indigenous cultures. It signifies the peak of growth, abundance, and connection to the earth.
   
• July 9: Nunavut Day – Nunavut Day celebrates the creation of Nunavut, the Inuit territory in Canada, and recognizes the Inuit’s right to self-governance. It honours the history, culture, and resilience of the Inuit people.
   
• July 10: Anniversary of the 1827 Huron Tract Treaty – This day marks the anniversary of the 1827 Huron Tract Treaty, which impacted the land rights and culture of the Anishinaabe peoples. It is a reminder of the ongoing relationship between Indigenous communities and the land.
   
• July 31: UFCW National Bannock Day – Established by UFCW Canada, UFCW National Bannock Day celebrates the iconic Indigenous food, bannock, a symbol of resilience and adaptation. It is a day to honour Indigenous culinary traditions and the communities that continue to share them.
   
• August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples – This global observance recognizes the rights of Indigenous peoples and promotes respect for their cultural heritage and traditions. It highlights the issues faced by Indigenous communities around the world.
   
• September 1: Labour Day – Labour Day honours the contributions of workers, including Indigenous peoples, and reflects on the ongoing fight for fair working conditions. It is a day to acknowledge the labour struggles of all workers.
   
• September 21: Autumnal Equinox – The Autumnal Equinox signifies the change of seasons and the time of harvest in many Indigenous cultures. It marks a period of balance and reflection, as the earth prepares for winter.
   
• September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honour the survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned, and the ongoing work of healing and reconciliation in Canada.
   
• October 4: National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Peoples – This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit peoples. It calls for action, justice, and support for affected communities.
   
• November: Indigenous Disability Awareness Month – Indigenous Disability Awareness Month highlights the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples with disabilities. It seeks to raise awareness and promote inclusion and equity within Indigenous communities.
   
• November 7: International Inuit Day – International Inuit Day celebrates Inuit culture, language, and contributions to the world. It is a day to raise awareness of the challenges facing Inuit communities and their ongoing cultural resilience.
   
• November 8: Indigenous Veterans Day – Indigenous Veterans Day honours the service and sacrifice of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s military. It is a day to remember and pay tribute to Indigenous veterans’ contributions to peace and freedom.
   
• November 15: Rock Your Mocs – Rock Your Mocs is a celebration of Indigenous pride, where people wear moccasins to show solidarity and honour Indigenous culture. It is a fun and meaningful way to raise awareness about Indigenous identity.
   
• November 16: Louis Riel Day – Louis Riel Day honours the Métis leader, whose legacy continues to inspire Indigenous rights movements. It is a time to remember his role in shaping Canada’s history and the rights of Métis peoples.
   
• December 15: Anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Final Report – This anniversary marks the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report, which outlines the steps toward healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
   
• December 21: Winter Solstice – The Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, holds spiritual significance in many Indigenous cultures. It represents a time for introspection, renewal, and honouring the cycles of nature.

Grandmother Moons

In Indigenous cultures, the moon holds deep spiritual significance, symbolizing tranquility, guidance, and protection. Its phases are intricately linked to teachings that have been passed down through generations. For the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island (North America), the moon’s wisdom is honoured through the Thirteen Grandmother Moon Teachings, which follow the lunar calendar and offer profound insights into both the natural world and the human spirit.

1. Spirit Moon (Mnido Giizis – January): The first moon of Creation, marked by the Northern Lights, invites us to embrace silence and reflect on our place in the Great Mystery.
    
2. Bear Moon (Mkwa Giizis – February): During Bear Moon, the vision quest continues, encouraging us to see beyond the ordinary and communicate through energy.
    
3. Sugar Moon (Ziissbaakdoke Giizas – March): With the running of maple sap, Sugar Moon teaches us balance, much like regulating our own energy.
    
4. Sucker Moon (Namebine Giizis – April): This moon symbolizes purification as the sucker fish cleanses the Spirit World, teaching us to purify and clear the path for the spirits.
    
5. Flower Moon (Waawaaskone Giizis – May): Flower Moon honours the blooming plants, which offer healing energy, inviting us to connect with our spiritual essence.
    
6. Strawberry Moon (Ode’miin Giizis – June): A time for reconciliation, Strawberry Moon encourages unity and the release of judgments during community feasts.
    
7. Raspberry Moon (Mskomini Giizis – July): Raspberry Moon brings change, teaching us kindness, gentleness, and the wisdom to navigate life’s challenges.
    
8. Thimbleberry Moon (Datkaagmin – August): Honouring the thimbleberry, this moon protects the sacred circle of life, helping us understand teachings from the Spirit World.
    
9. Corn Moon (Mdaamiin Giizis – September): Corn Moon teaches the cycle of life, with each cob symbolizing future generations and the need to prepare for their journey.
    
10. Falling Leaves Moon (Biinaakwe Giizis – October): This moon celebrates the miracles of creation and reminds us to offer gratitude for all that we have.
     
11. Freezing Moon (Mshkawji Giizis – November): As the Star Nation draws closer, Freezing Moon is a time for preparation, fasting, and learning sacred teachings.
     
12. Little Spirit Moon (Mnidoons Giizis Oonhg – December): Little Spirit Moon represents healing and offers visions that guide us on the Red Road with pure intentions.
     
13. Big Spirit Moon (Mnidoons Giizis – Blue Moon): The thirteenth moon is a time for purification, healing, and spiritual growth, imparting the knowledge of the universe’s healing powers

UFCW Canada’s national headquarters are located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the ancestral lands of the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Anishnawbe peoples. This territory is also home to many other First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. UFCW Canada offices, along with local union offices, are situated across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that Indigenous peoples are the original and rightful stewards of this land, and they were the first to have a relationship with the food systems and environment from which we continue to benefit today. As a national union dedicated to advancing workers’ rights, we are committed to supporting Indigenous justice, guided by the UFCW Canada Indigenous Committee and through our broader efforts in union representation and advocacy.

This calendar was created with guidance from the UFCW Canada Indigenous Committee and in collaboration with the Assembly of Seven Generations (A7G), an Indigenous youth-led grassroots non-profit organization focused on community support and creating opportunities for Indigenous youth. A7G is based in Unceded Algonquin Territory. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and stand in solidarity with A7G. We believe that true reconciliation involves supporting and empowering Indigenous youth voices. Throughout this calendar, you will find artwork created by Indigenous youth, including the stunning cover art created by Jewel Charles.

The 13 Grandmother Moon Teachings, listed alongside each calendar month, are derived from Kinoomaadiewinan Anishinabek Bimaadinzinwin, Book Two, by author Arlene Berry. While these teachings are shared in this book, it is important to note that numerous variations of moon teachings exist across the traditional territories and nations of Turtle Island.