Honour and take action

National Indigenous Peoples Day​ – June 21

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June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the history, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, Métis Peoples across Canada. At BCCNM, we remain committed in our work to dismantle Indigenous-specific racism in B.C.'s health-care system.

Here are some ways you can get involved​.​

Moose Hide Campaign Day – May 15​

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The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led, B.C.-born movement that started to engage men and boys in ending violence against women and children. It has since grown to be a national campaign to speak out about gender-based and domestic violence. This year, on May 15, the Moose Hide Campaign is hosting a series of events to help deepen our understanding of gender-based violence and to show support for the campaign. Registration for the events can be found here. ​​​​​​​

Bear Witness Day – May 10​​​​

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Bear Witness Day is Spirit Bear's birthday and honours the memory of Jordan River Anderson through the full and proper implementation of Jordan's Principle, a child​-first principle and legal rule named in memory of Jordan River Anderson. It ensures First Nations children receive the services and supports they need, when they need them.

2025 is the 20th anniversary of Jordan's Principle. BCCNM acknowledges and honours this day and reflects on the past with a look ahead to the future of shaping culturally safe care for all. 

Visit Bear Witness Day | First Nations Child & Family Caring Society to learn more and learn how you can get involved.  ​​​​​​

Red Dress Day​ – May 5

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M​ay 5, 2025, marks the 15th anniversary of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ People, also known as Red Dress Day.

This name comes from a powerful art project and movement that raises awareness about the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people that represents an epidemic of gender-based violence in what is now called Canada.

Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people​ have had their truths denied and as a result, the rate of unnatural deaths for Indigenous women is more than five times greater than for non-Indigenous women.

As part of our work to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism in the B.C. health-care system, BCCNM recognizes Red Dress Day. As a health regulator we acknowledge that we have been complicit in upholding colonial systems and structures that deny safe, timely, and effective care to Indigenous Peoples and we pledge to take swift action and continue our work to make the health-care system culturally safe for Indigenous Peoples. 

Related resources: Red Dress Day 2025: Working Together to End Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ People. You can also visit National Indigenous Women's resource centre to explore the list of resources and join in organizing additional actions in your communities on and around May 5.​​​​​
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