May – Flower Moon (UFCW Indigenous Calendar)
Toronto – April 30, 2025 – As we enter the month of May, we are welcomed by the Flower Moon (Waawaaskone Giizis), a sacred time in many Indigenous cultures that honours the return of vibrant blooms and the healing energy of nature. May is a time to nurture our spirits, reflect on our personal growth, and deepen our connection with the natural world. The Flower Moon reminds us that the land offers more than beauty—it offers medicine, renewal, and teachings that help guide us on our spiritual journeys.
The fifth moon of Creation is the Flower Moon. During this moon, plants begin to blossom and share their healing properties. This is a time to honour the gifts of the land, recognizing the deep relationship between humans and the plant beings that surround us. As flowers bloom, they awaken not just the earth but also our inner spirits—calling us to walk gently, live intentionally, and seek harmony with all living things.
Key Dates in May:
Red Dress Day raises awareness about the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S). Across the country, red dresses are displayed in public spaces as haunting visual reminders of those who have been taken and the families left seeking justice. This day calls on all of us to witness, raise our voices, and advocate for meaningful action to address the violence and systemic inequities faced by Indigenous women and gender-diverse people. It is a day of mourning, remembrance, and fierce resilience.
Bear Witness Day honours the memory of Jordan River Anderson and highlights the importance of Jordan’s Principle—a child-first initiative that ensures First Nations children have equitable access to government services. Jordan, a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation, spent his life in hospital while governments disputed who should pay for his care. Bear Witness Day calls on everyone to ensure that no other child faces similar injustices. It is a time to hold systems accountable and to advocate for the full and timely implementation of Jordan's Principle. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Jordan’s Principle.
May 15 – Moose Hide Campaign Day
Moose Hide Campaign Day is a powerful movement to end violence against Indigenous women and children. Rooted in ceremony and tradition, the campaign encourages individuals—particularly men and boys—to take a stand against gender-based violence by wearing a square of moose hide. It is a symbol of commitment, solidarity, and healing. On this day, events, workshops, and gatherings are held to support survivors and promote safer, more respectful communities for all.
The artwork featured in the 2025 UFCW Canada Indigenous Calendar for May was created by Ashley Patenaude, who used digital tools to craft a powerful tribute for Red Dress Day—honouring and remembering missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.
The 13 Grandmother Moon Teachings shared here are drawn from "Kinoomaadiewinan Anishinabek Bimaadinzinwin, Book Two" by Arlene Berry. Teachings may vary across the diverse Nations and territories of Turtle Island, and each community brings its own rich perspective to these ancestral teachings.
To discover more important cultural dates and teachings, download the Walking Together: 2025 UFCW Canada Indigenous CommitteeCalendartoday.
