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Receive weekly Indigenous spiritual reflections from Br. David Alexanderson.
Our Indigenous Solidarity Campaign is committed to building just and respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples, grounded in truth, equity and the full realization of their rights. Our advocacy recognizes that Indigenous Peoples in Canada and worldwide continue to experience injustices from colonial policies in Canada that have aimed to dismantle self-governance, sovereignty, erase Indigenous identity, and deny land and Treaty rights. From a Canadian Muslim perspective, standing for justice for Indigenous Peoples is part of our duty to uphold Qur’anic principles of ‘adl (justice) and qist (equity). We are called to defend human dignity and walk in solidarity with those denied their rights.


  • We support Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination. 
  • We uphold the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 
  • We strive to implement the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. ​

Our Current Priorities and Focus Areas 

Education about Truth and Reconciliation in Muslim and wider communities.
Centring and amplifying Indigenous voices within our mosques, schools and public spaces.
Solidarity with Indigenous-led struggles against inequalities and human rights violations.

Important Dates: Opportunities for Learning and Solidarity

This calendar highlights meaningful opportunities throughout the year to build relationships with Indigenous communities and advocate for justice, reconciliation and rights. Staying in the know encourages us to increase our awareness of these events and understand their significance. Use these dates to guide your participation in upcoming campaigns, local programming, as well as advocacy.
January 11: Anniversary of the Attawapiskat Housing Emergency (2013)
Significance: This date marks when national media exposed the severe housing crisis in Attawapiskat First Nation, a Cree community in Northern Ontario. Many homes were without insulation, plumbing, or heating, despite freezing winter temperatures. The crisis revealed systemic underfunding and federal neglect of Indigenous infrastructure needs. As early as 2011, organizations like KAIROS were already documenting and calling attention to the crisis (see this briefing). Why this matters: Over a decade later, housing conditions in dozens of First Nations remain unsafe or inadequate, despite repeated federal promises. Attawapiskat is emblematic of Canada’s ongoing failure to provide equitable, rights-based housing for Indigenous Peoples. Justice For All Canada marks this date as a call to uphold housing as a basic human right and support sustained infrastructure justice for Indigenous communities.
February 14: Annual Women’s Memorial March
Significance: Held annually in cities like Vancouver and Toronto, this grassroots-led march honours the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. It began in 1992 after Cheryl Ann Joe, a shíshálh Nation mother woman, was murdered in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The march brings attention to the systemic failure of law enforcement and Canadian institutions to address violence targeting Indigenous women. Why this matters: Indigenous women experience violence at disproportionately high rates, far beyond what is publicly acknowledged. The march offers an opportunity to transform grief into a visible call for justice and collective responsibility. It is also a moment to learn about gendered colonial violence and express solidarity with actions rooted in compassion, accountability, and healing. The Women’s Memorial March maintains an archival website with background information, statements, and previous updates from organizers dedicated to honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and supporting families seeking justice: womensmemorialmarch.wordpress.com.  

March 31: Daniels Decision Anniversary (2016)
Significance: On this day, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in Daniels v. Canada that Métis and non-status First Nations peoples are “Indians” under section 91(24) of the Constitution Act (1867). This meant that the federal government became legally responsible for nearly 600,000 Métis and “non-status” Indians, which had long been excluded from federal programs and services. The case was launched by Harry Daniels, a prominent Métis leader, and was a significant legal victory for recognition and inclusion. Why this matters: The Daniels Decision confronts the historic exclusion of Métis and non-status First Nations people from proper recognition by Canada’s legal and political systems. This decision offers a concrete example of how legal advocacy can be used to demand proper constitutional inclusion. It also illustrates how state recognition can intersect with community self-determination.
May 5: Red Dress Day
Significance: Red Dress Day honours the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) across Canada. Between 1980 and 2012, at least 1,200 Indigenous women were reported missing or murdered, and some estimates suggest the number could be as high as 4,000. With this crisis devastating Indigenous communities across Canada, the red dress has become a national symbol of the thousands of Indigenous women and girls who have disappeared or been killed. Why this matters: Indigenous women make up 16% of all female homicide victims in Canada, despite accounting for only 4% of the population. What’s fuelling this crisis includes systemic racism, under-policing, and lack of accountability. The 2019 National Inquiry’s Final Report called the violence a “Canadian genocide”, but despite this, most of its 231 Calls for Justice remain unfulfilled. It cites “persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses” as the root cause behind Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women. Read the full findings or summary here: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/ 
June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day
Significance: This day honours the history, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. It was officially recognized in 1996 and is held annually on the summer solstice, a time of cultural and spiritual importance to many Indigenous communities. Nationwide, National Indigenous Peoples Day is marked by public celebrations, cultural performances, and community gatherings. Why this matters: This day exists within the broader context of colonial violence, systemic discrimination, and erasure of Indigenous rights. For example, in 2021 Statistics Canada reported that over one in five Indigenous people live in overcrowded or inadequate housing. In the same year, the federal government had not fulfilled the majority of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. Ahead of this day, access these helpful learning resources about First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1528210353182/1580759773150.
July 1: Canada Day, a Day of Mourning for Many
Significance: Canada Day marks the anniversary of the 1867 British North America Act, which created the Dominion of Canada. It is a statutory holiday we often associate with national pride and celebratory fireworks. But for Indigenous Peoples, it represents colonialism, land theft and continued denial of Indigenous sovereignty. It can also be a painful reminder of systemic harms, such as the residential school system and the Indian Act. Why this matters: According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Canada’s founding is a key driver of Indigenous dispossession. A 2021 survey showed that 62% of Indigenous respondents did not consider Canada Day a day of celebration. Justice For All Canada joins advocacy groups in calling for Canada Day to be a day of reflection and reckoning. Read this powerful reflection on this matter written by Xaxli’p Chief Colleen Jacob of the St’at’imc Nation in British Columbia: https://sheltermovers.com/news-we-need-to-talk-about-canada-day/#:~:text=It%20should%20be%20recognized%20as,have%20also%20cancelled%20their%20celebrations. 
August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Significance: The United Nations created this day in 1994 to honour the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations. It recognizes over 476 million Indigenous people around the world and affirms their right to cultural survival, land, and self-determination. Why this matters: In 2024, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to safe drinking water and sanitation, Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, raised concerns about Canada’s failure to ensure access to clean water and respect for land rights. This highlights the fact that the Canadian government continues to deny Indigenous Nations control over their territories while claiming to support Indigenous rights abroad. This day calls attention to such contradictions and invites communities to listen to Indigenous leadership on what justice must look like. As Justice For All Canada remains committed to the rights of global Indigenous and minority communities, it is imperative for us to equally include the Inuit, Métis, and First Nations Peoples of Canada. https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day 
September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day)
Significance: This federal statutory observance honours the Indigenous children who were taken from their families and forced into the residential school system. While in these schools, thousands of children experienced profound neglect, abuse and cultural erasure. The term “Orange Shirt” stems from Phyllis Webstad’s personal story of having her new orange shirt taken from her on her first day at a residential school. Today, orange has become a national symbol of remembrance and accountability. Why this matters: Over 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children attended residential schools across Canada, with thousands never returning home. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission documented 6,000+ deaths, though the real number is believed to be much higher. Today, many survivors and their families continue to deal with intergenerational trauma, loss of language and culture, and systemic barriers. This day challenges us Canadians to confront this legacy and support ongoing reconciliation efforts for Indigenous communities. For resources, more awareness and information on local events, visit https://orangeshirtday.org/.  
October 4: Sisters in Spirit National Day of Action
Significance: First initiated by the Native Women’s Association of Canada in 2006, the Sisters in Spirit Vigils honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG2S). On this day, vigils take place in communities across the country every. The events bring together families, survivors and allies to remember loved ones, share stories, and call for systemic change. Why this matters: Indigenous women account for 16% of female homicide victims in Canada, despite making up only 4% of the population. According to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, this crisis constitutes genocide. Families of MMIWG2S continue to face indifference, systemic racism and a lack of justice. The vigils provide space for remembrance, but also call on governments to fully implement the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into MMIWG. As long as violence continues at these rates, the vigils remain both a memorial and a demand for accountability. To learn more, visit https://narrativesinc.com/journal/honouring-our-sisters-in-spirit-national-day-of-action-for-mmiwg2s 
November 16: Louis Riel Day (Métis)
Significance: This day marks the anniversary of the execution of Louis Riel Day in 1885 for leading the Northwest Resistance. Riel was a Métis political leader and founder of Manitoba. He was known for defending Métis land, language, and cultural rights against Canadian encroachment. He was criminalized and hanged for treason. Today, Riel is widely recognized as a defender of Indigenous sovereignty and the Father of Confederation. Why this matters: Riel’s execution was part of a wider effort to suppress Métis land rights and governance. Honouring his legacy affirms the ongoing Métis struggle for recognition and autonomy, as these issues still impact Metis peoples today. 
December 1: Nunatsiavut Day
Significance: This day commemorates the 2005 Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement, which established Nunatsiavut as a self-governing Inuit region located in the northern part of Labrador, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The treaty addressed decades of land dispossession and lack of political representation. It secured over 72,000 square kilometres of land and shared rights to marine areas. Why this matters: Before the agreement, Inuit communities faced deep gaps in services and infrastructure. In 2016, 45% of Inuit households in the region were overcrowded and average incomes remained well below provincial levels. Treaty Day affirms the legal recognition of Inuit governance and ongoing efforts to close social and economic disparities in Labrador.

Our Pledge to Reconciliation

We pledge to use our platform to continue learning and promoting education about Indigenous Peoples and issues facing their communities.
We pledge to address Indigenous-related misconceptions and myths with Canadian Muslims by increasing advocacy and understanding about Indigenous peoples.  
We pledge to look forward to, and be a part of, positive change for the situation with Indigenous peoples.
We pledge to encourage others around us to make reconciliation an active and ongoing effort.
We pledge to read, understand, and adopt the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action.
We pledge to learn about the 231 Calls for Justice in the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Important Resources

History of Onjisay Aki by Elder and Knowledge Keeper Dave Courchene Jr

Orange Khutba Days

WATCH: Indigenous and Muslim Perspectives: Climate Change

WATCH: Indigenous and Muslim Perspectives: Legal Frameworks in Canada

​A Look at our Past Projects

Muslim-Indigenous Connection (MIC)

The Muslim-Inidigenous Connection initiative was launched to foster the connection between Islamic and Indigenous teachings and equip youth with principles of social Justice . 

Justice For All Canada co-organized a 3-month learning retreat teaching Canadian Muslim youth social-justice principles and action responsibilities. The program included leadership training sessions, discussions with Indigenous elders, and a First Nations cultural centre site visit. The MIC initiative brought together interfaith communities to reflect on their collective commitment towards Indigenous peoples in Canada. Co-organized with Zulfaa Foundation and KAICIID International Dialogue Centre.
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We continue to explore opportunities to cultivate inclusion, inter-connectedness, and reconciliation.
#OrangeKhutba Campaign 

Every year, Justice For All Canada engages over 100 Canadian Muslim Imams and mosques to participate in our #OrangeKhutba Campaign (khutba translates to Friday sermon in the Arabic language). Muslim religious leaders are invited to sign up to receive speaker notes so they can dedicate a portion of their Friday congregational khutba or sermon to reading a solidarity statement dedicated to Indigenous communities. The statement reading was an awareness-building moment for Muslim communities, helping them think about generations of atrocities faced by their Indigenous neighbours.