Indigenous Days in November 2026
As we move into November, we wanted to highlight two important dates that recognize and celebrate Indigenous peoples, cultures, and contributions.
November 7 is International Inuit Day, also known as International Circumpolar Inuit Day, which celebrates Inuit peoples, cultures, and communities.
International Inuit Day was established by the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC), which is made up of leaders from Alaska, Canada, Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), and Chukotka (northeastern Russia). The ICC was founded in 1977 to advocate for the rights, interests, and voices of Inuit peoples – both nationally and internationally! We celebrate International Inuit Day on November 7th, the birthday of Eben Hopson Sr., who was a key founding member of the ICC.
For our readers in Ontario, there will be an International Inuit Day Celebration at Walker Court in the Art Gallery of Ontario. This event will take place on November 7th from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM and features Inuit artists, traditions, and performances!
The following day (November 8th) is National Indigenous Veterans Day, which was first established in 1994. This day recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous veterans who have served in the Canadian military, as well as those who continue to serve today. Learn more about stories of Indigenous excellence and the unfair treatment many Indigenous veterans faced after their service here.
If you live near Kelowna, there will be commemorative ceremonies taking place on November 8th to honour Indigenous Veterans Day. To find out more about these ceremonies and where they will be located, click on this website link.
As we recognize these two dates, we encourage our non-Indigenous readers to take some time to learn more about Inuit culture and the history of Indigenous military service and to recognize the contributions of Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world.
Have a great November, and keep your eyes out for another blog post about upcoming events (coming soon)!
Author: Riley Sommerville, ITMP Blog Writer
Image credits:
International Inuit Day poster, via City of Hamilton
A photo of Indigenous veterans, via the Government of Canada
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