September – Corn Moon (UFCW Indigenous Calendar)

Toronto – August 27, 2025 – As the days grow shorter and the air takes on the crisp edge of autumn, we welcome the Corn Moon — a time of harvest, gratitude, and preparation for the coming winter. In many Indigenous cultures, the Corn Moon honours one of the Three Sisters — corn, beans, and squash — that sustain life and symbolize community, cooperation, and interdependence.

This month’s calendar features two separate artworks by 19-year-old Emma-Jae Genaille and 7-year-old Nicholas McGillivary, both created on the theme of Orange Shirt Day. Their work speaks on how young people are learning, processing, and expressing these truths through art. By engaging with the meaning of Orange Shirt Day, Indigenous youth not only honour survivors and those who never returned, but also carry forward the responsibility of remembrance, truth-telling, and building a future where such injustices are never repeated.

In September, we also pause to honour significant dates that carry deep meaning for workers, communities, and the journey toward reconciliation.

Key Dates in September

September 1 – Labour Day
Labour Day honours the contributions of workers, including Indigenous peoples, and reflects on the ongoing fight for fair working conditions. It is a day to acknowledge the labour struggles of all workers and the collective power of solidarity.

September 21 – Autumnal Equinox
The Autumnal Equinox marks the balance between day and night, signalling the transition into the harvest season. In many Indigenous teachings, it is a time for reflection, gratitude, and preparation, honouring the cycles of the land and the generosity of the earth.

September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day
On this day, we honour the survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned, and the families and communities forever impacted by these institutions. It is a time to reflect on the truths of our shared history, acknowledge the ongoing impacts of colonialism, and commit to meaningful action toward reconciliation. Wearing orange honours the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose experience has become a powerful symbol for raising awareness and standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples.

UFCW Canada is calling forSeptember 30 to be recognized as a paid Day of Recognition and Remembrance for all workers across every province and territory in Canada. While the federal government, New Brunswick, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut currently recognize this day as a statutory holiday, many Indigenous workers in other provinces cannot take the day off with pay. UFCW Canada believes all workers should have the opportunity to participate in community ceremonies, reflect with friends and family, and take the time to heal as we confront the lasting legacy of residential schools.

This year, UFCW Canada is urging all Canadians to take action and put pressure on provincial governments to make September 30 a paid day for everyone. Survivors, families, and communities have been irrevocably harmed by the residential school system — it is time for concrete steps toward healing and reconciliation.

As we honour the teachings of the Corn Moon, may we also honour our shared responsibility to truth, justice, and healing. Let us move forward with open hearts, committed to a future built on respect, equity, and understanding.

The 13 Grandmother Moon Teachings shared here are inspired by Kinoomaadiewinan Anishinabek Bimaadinzinwin, Book Two by Arlene Berry. Teachings may differ across Nations and territories, each offering its own sacred understanding and wisdom.

To see the full collection of artwork featured throughout the year, explore the 2025 UFCW Canada Indigenous Calendar.