National Child Day

On National Child Day, we stand with children, recognizing their rights and lived experiences. November 20th marks the most widely ratified human rights treaty presented by the United Nations Convention. It is comprised of 54 articles that stand as actionable commitments to children’s rights. This day celebrates systemic protection and recognizes the ongoing work to advance children’s well-being, equity, and empowerment.

The focus for 2025 is Article 30, a provision ensuring children belonging to Indigenous and minority groups are offered equitable protection to culture, language and religion. Children thrive when we remove structural and social barriers to self-determination, cultural belonging, and identity-affirmation. Children thrive when we strengthen access to language, culture, spirituality, and intergenerational connection to support self-understanding, community connection, and well-being.

Article 30 requires ongoing social and community attention as well as legislative measures such as the expansion of Jordan’s Principle. This legislation addresses colonial harm and cultural discrimination through improved access to culturally safe mental healthcare for First Nations children and families. Supports include access to Indigenous practitioners, traditional health knowledge, cultural guidance, and mental health services delivered in partnership with local communities

Honouring National Child Day means we confront systemic vulnerabilities of children and address them through deliberate attention to their perspectives and voices. The National Strategy for Children and Youth (Bill S-212) builds on this commitment by proposing a federal framework that prioritizes children’s rights, well-being, and participation in policy decision-making. 

As we honour National Child Day, we reaffirm our responsibility to listen to children, learn from them, and create environments where they can thrive with dignity and cultural safety.