Have a Heart Day: February 14

Have a Heart Day is a child and youth-led reconciliation event in Canada that occurs on February 14 to help ensure First Nations children have the opportunity to grow up in a safe home, receive a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are. 

COVID-19 has changed the way Have a Heart Day 2021 will be celebrated. Instead of the usual public events, it is being encouraged that teachers, students, families and households celebrate the day within their classrooms, at home, or online.

First Nations Child and Family Caring Society has provided several ideas for children and families to celebrate Have a Heart Day while still abiding by COVID-19 restrictions:  

• Send a Valentine’s Day card or letter supporting Have a Heart Day to the Prime Minister and/or your Member of Parliament. Create your own card or use the letter template and colouring pages found on the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society’s website. 
• Complete the Snow Bears Activity or bake some Have a Heart Day cookies from Spirit Bear’s Bearcipe with your class, group, or family. 
• Post pictures of your Have a Heart Day letter, cookies, snow bear, and more ways to celebrate on your social media. Use the hashtag #HaveaHeartDay and/or #JourneeAyezUnCoeur.
• Host an online Valentine’s Day party on a day leading up to Valentine’s day to raise awareness within the child’s school or your community. There is a Have A Heart Day poster to download, edit, and use for the event. Register your event to further show your support for the celebration. 
• To get prepared for Have a Heart Day, visit Project of Heart’s website to find resources to teach children about reconciliation. For other great ideas, visit the Shannen’s Dream School Resources page.

Events like Have a Heart Day are creating a movement where the Canadian landscape is one where First Nations children are able to grow up with honour and possibilities.