Have a Heart Day

Categories:: Cause
Tags:: Canadian Civic
Where:: Canada
Date change rule:: Every February 14
Holiday emoji:: ❤️

Have a Heart Day is observed every February 14, advocating for equity and justice for First Nations children in Canada. Organized by the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, it mobilizes communities to demand institutional change. Learn about the systemic issues and discover how you can contribute to a future of respect and equal opportunities.

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History
Timeline
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FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected Have a Heart Day Deals

As a vital advocacy event, Have a Heart Day focuses on fundraising and awareness rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada lead initiatives to support Indigenous children. Corporate partners, such as Canadian banks like RBC and TD Bank, often contribute through donation matching programs or by highlighting the cause on their platforms. Retailers like Indigo Books & Music may feature books by Indigenous authors or donate a portion of sales to related charities. Individuals are encouraged to donate directly to the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society or participate in local advocacy events. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as February 14 approaches.

Platform Guide for Have a Heart Day

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #HaveAHeartDay. Share educational resources and calls to action for First Nations child equity.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #HaveAHeartDay. Engage in real-time discussions, share news, and amplify Indigenous voices and advocacy efforts.

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #HaveAHeartDay. Share insights on corporate social responsibility and Indigenous relations in the workplace.

Have a Heart Day Hero

Cindy Blackstock

Cindy Blackstock, a member of the Gitxsan First Nation, is a prominent advocate for First Nations children's rights and the executive director of the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada. She was instrumental in launching the landmark human rights complaint against the Canadian government for its discriminatory funding of child welfare services on reserves. Her tireless work has brought national and international attention to systemic inequities, driving calls for significant policy changes and reconciliation.

History of Have a Heart Day

Have a Heart Day is part of the larger movement run by the First Nations Child and family services of Canada. Ever since its inception in 1998, the organization has worked to bring awareness to the discrimination faced by Aboriginal children. It also connects the families of victims with resources and support. The essence of the day is based on reconciliation and individual action. The central effort is to build a bridge between communities, as we address the hardships faced by Aboriginal families.

Aboriginal families deserve a fair chance at life, just as the rest of us. But the children of ‘First Nation’ (a term used to identify Indigenous peoples of Canada who are neither Métis nor Inuit) are being pushed into a life of crime and punishment. Aboriginal people make up 3.8% of the Canadian population, yet somehow, they account for 23% of Canada’s incarcerated population.

In recent years, the expanded efforts of the National Have a Heart Day Campaign has secured massive wins for the Indigenous people of Canada. The organization was able to secure $40,000 in fines for the wilful and reckless negligence of First Nations children and their families. The Reconciling History Initiative has also launched new learning opportunities to include more people in the process of ensuring justice for the Indigenous communities.

The day has been marked by many protests in the last decades. Legions of Canadians have marched to the marble floor of the parliament to demand justice and restoration for their aboriginal neighbors.

Have a Heart Day timeline

1998

Establishment

First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada is established after years of activism toward the cause.

1999

Expansion

The interim board is elected and the vision and mission of the non-profit are made public.

2008

Acknowledgment

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper acknowledges the offenses against Indigenous children for the first time.

2016

Intervention

Canadian Human Rights Tribunal declares discrimination levied by the Government of Canada against 163,000 First Nations Children.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Have a Heart Day

Local businesses in Canada can honor Have a Heart Day by raising awareness and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives. Consider hosting educational sessions for staff on Indigenous history and reconciliation, or partnering with local Indigenous organizations for donation drives. Restaurants could feature Indigenous-inspired dishes or donate a portion of sales to a First Nations child welfare charity. Retailers can highlight products from Indigenous entrepreneurs or display educational materials about the day’s significance. The key is to engage respectfully and authentically, fostering understanding and contributing to meaningful change.

Have a Heart Day FAQs

When is Have a Heart Day?

In 2027, Have a Heart Day will be observed on Monday, February 14. This date serves as a crucial reminder for Canadians to advocate for Indigenous children’s rights and well-being.

What is the purpose of Have a Heart Day?

The day aims to raise awareness and demand action regarding systemic inequities in Canada’s child welfare system affecting First Nations children. It promotes reconciliation and ensures that all children receive the care and resources they deserve.

Who organizes Have a Heart Day?

The First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, under the leadership of Cindy Blackstock, is the primary organizer. They work with various partners and community members to amplify the message of equity and justice across Canada.

Is Have a Heart Day observed outside of Canada?

The observance is specifically Canadian, addressing issues within Canada’s child welfare system. However, the principles of reconciliation and equitable treatment for Indigenous peoples are universal and inspire solidarity worldwide.

How to Observe Have a Heart Day

Share methods of reconciliation
Empathy, understanding, and communication are all methods of reconciliation that heal our divisions. National Have a Heart Day is a special occasion for non-Aboriginal people to extend a helping hand to our aboriginal neighbors and express solidarity with them.
Donate to Indigenous organizations
The best way to offer practical help to Indigenous people is by promoting their fundraisers and making regular contributions to charities like the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
Rally for Indigenous rights in the government
The 2007 tribunal ruling and the subsequent Acknowledgement by the Canadian Prime Minister has opened tremendous doors for Aboriginal rights. On February 14, join the Indigenous people in their fight for full enfranchisement by writing a letter of agreement to your member of parliament.

5 Grim Facts About Canada’s Indigenous Community

A sip of poison
Over 20% of First Nation communities have not had access to safe and fresh drinking water for the last 25 years.
The cost of education
Up until the early 1990s, residential schools in Canada used to indoctrinate Aboriginal children with western values.
The haunting of the past
The distrust of education still haunts the First Nation Communities, 40 of which have no schools or academic centers.
Jail before a job
A First Nation student is more likely to end up in jail than to graduate from college.
The suicide alarm
First Nation youth are seven times more likely to commit suicide than non-Aboriginal youth of the same age.

Why Have a Heart Day is Important

It’s a focus on individual action
National Have a Heart Day is based on the effort of reconciliation. While we rally for institutional change, we must also focus on the power of individual action. By raising our voices and extending our hands, all of us can make a difference.
It’s an appeal to heal
The day raises resources to help the children of aboriginal people get a good education, nutritious food, and secure life. It is believed that through material help and the transfer of wealth, we have a chance to heal our wounds and come together as one nation.
Hope for change
Tremendous progress has been made since the 2016 landmark ruling in the favor of Aboriginal rights. Over 691,000 products and services have been designated to First Nation families since the non-compliance order of May 2017. As we fight for change, February 14 is a great day to sit back and reflect on the progress we have made.