National Thanadelthur Day Act

Summary#

This bill would name February 5 each year as National Thanadelthur Day across Canada. It honours Thanadelthur, a Denesuline woman who helped make peace between the Denesuline and the Cree in the early 1700s and supported the Hudson’s Bay Company as an interpreter and guide.

• February 5 becomes National Thanadelthur Day nationwide.
• It is not a legal holiday. There is no paid day off or business closure.
• The day is meant to highlight Indigenous history and the role of Indigenous women.
• No new programs, rules, or requirements are created.

What it means for you#

• General public:

  • You may see public statements, social media posts, or local events on February 5.
  • Services and businesses stay open as usual.

• Workers and employers:

  • No paid holiday or mandatory time off.
  • No changes to work schedules or pay rules.

• Students and educators:

  • Schools may choose to use the day to teach about Thanadelthur, the fur trade, and Indigenous history.
  • No required curriculum or activities.

• Indigenous communities and organizations:

  • A set date to share community history and the contributions of Indigenous women, if they wish.
  • Visibility for Denesuline and Cree history at a national level.

• Governments and community groups:

  • They may issue statements or host events, but nothing is required.

Expenses#

Estimated annual cost: minimal to none at the federal level.

• The bill does not create programs or require spending.
• Any costs would be voluntary, such as communications or events by governments, schools, or community groups.
• No impact on statutory holidays or paid leave.

Proponents' View#

• Recognizes an important Indigenous woman whose work helped bring peace between communities.
• Encourages learning about the fur trade era and Indigenous history that many Canadians may not know.
• Supports reconciliation by highlighting Indigenous leadership and resilience.
• Gives communities a simple, national focal point for education and celebration each year.

Opponents' View#

• Largely symbolic; it does not fund education, services, or reconciliation efforts.
• Adds another commemorative day, which some say can dilute public attention.
• May overlap with other Indigenous observances, creating confusion or “message fatigue.”
• Could lead to small administrative demands for public bodies without clear outcomes.