National Have a Heart Day

National Have a Heart Day is observed annually on February 14, serving as a youth-led reconciliation event to advocate for the rights of First Nations children in Canada. This day encourages people of all ages to stand up for the fair treatment of Indigenous children, ensuring they have the same opportunities to grow up safely at home, receive a quality education, and stay healthy while being proud of their cultural identity. By coinciding with Valentine’s Day, the observance uses the theme of love to highlight the need for “loving justice” and equity in government services.

History of National Have a Heart Day

The holiday was established in 2012 by the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada, led by executive director Dr. Cindy Blackstock. The initiative grew out of the organization’s long-standing advocacy for Indigenous youth, following a landmark human rights complaint filed in 2007 against the Canadian federal government. This complaint alleged that First Nations children were being systemically discriminated against through the chronic underfunding of child welfare services on reserves. Have a Heart Day was designed as a positive, inclusive way for students and the public to engage with these serious social justice issues through the spirit of reconciliation.

Historically, the day is linked to broader movements such as Shannen’s Dream, which advocates for “safe and comfy” schools for First Nations students, and Jordan’s Principle, a child-first principle intended to resolve jurisdictional disputes regarding government services. Since its inception, the celebration has seen thousands of children across Canada march on Parliament Hill in Ottawa or host local events to send messages of support to elected officials. The movement successfully contributed to a 2016 ruling by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, which ordered the federal government to end its discriminatory funding practices and fully implement reforms to protect Indigenous families.

Why is National Have a Heart Day important?

This day is important because it brings national attention to the funding inequities that continue to affect Indigenous communities. Statistics show that First Nations children on reserves often receive significantly less funding for basic services—including education, health care, and child welfare—compared to other children in Canada. The observance provides a structured way for the public to demand that these disparities be eliminated, ensuring that a child’s postal code or heritage does not determine their level of care. It serves as an annual reminder that reconciliation requires tangible action and policy change rather than just words.

The holiday also plays a vital role in empowering young people to become active citizens and advocates for human rights. By participating in a youth-led event, students learn the value of empathy and the power of their own voices in shaping a more just society. It fosters a sense of national unity by encouraging non-Indigenous Canadians to learn about the history of the residential school system and the “Sixties Scoop,” helping to build a future based on mutual respect and understanding. Ultimately, the day is about ensuring every child in the country has the chance to thrive and achieve their dreams.

• First Nations children deserve the same standard of care as all other Canadian youth.
• The day highlights the need for equitable funding in education and health services.
• Engaging youth in reconciliation helps build a more compassionate and informed society.
• Public advocacy on this day supports the full implementation of Jordan’s Principle.
• The observance honors the resilience and cultural identity of Indigenous families.

How to Observe National Have a Heart Day

Celebrating involves participating in activities that combine creativity with political advocacy. One of the most common traditions is writing Valentine’s Day cards or letters to the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament, urging them to support equity for First Nations children. Many schools and community groups host “Have a Heart” gatherings where participants sing songs, read poems, or display heart-themed artwork. Some also make “Have a Heart Day” cookies or engage in “Snow Bear” activities, using the symbol of Spirit Bear—the Caring Society’s mascot for reconciliation—to spread messages of fairness.

For those looking to engage more deeply, the day is an opportunity for “truth-telling” and education within the classroom or home. This can include screening films about Indigenous rights, exploring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, or participating in the “Project of Heart” to learn about the history of residential schools. Sharing photos of these activities on social media with the official hashtag helps create a visible national map of support. The goal of the day is to move beyond the traditional romantic focus of mid-February to show that a truly caring society leaves no child behind.

• Send a Valentine’s Day card to your elected officials supporting First Nations kids.
• Host a local community event to raise awareness about funding inequities.
• Post photos of your heart-themed artwork or cookies using #HaveAHeartDay.
• Spend time learning about Shannen’s Dream and the right to equitable education.
• Organize a school-wide assembly to discuss the importance of reconciliation.

National Have a Heart Day Dates Table