National Thanadelthur Day Act

Summary#

S-225 is a proposed Act that would designate February 5 each year as National Thanadelthur Day throughout Canada. It would create this designation without amending another Act. The preamble presents recognition of Thanadelthur’s story and Indigenous women’s contributions as the goal.

• The bill would make February 5 a day known by that name each year.
• It would not make the day a legal holiday or a non-juridical day.
• The preamble describes Thanadelthur as a Denesuline interpreter, ambassador and negotiator who helped make peace between Denesuline and Cree people.

What it means for you#

• General public: If enacted, February 5 would have a national designation. The bill does not require anyone to observe it or take part in an event.
• Workers, employers and public services: The day would not be a legal holiday or non-juridical day under this bill. The bill does not set out other changes to work or public-service schedules.
• Governments and organizations: The bill does not assign responsibility for commemorations, education or other activities.

Money#

No cost information is in the available material.

• The bill does not authorize funding or set up a program or office.
• It does not state whether any existing government body would spend money on activities related to the day.

What is unclear#

• The supplied text gives no date for when the Act would start.
• It does not say whether any government body will organize events or provide educational material.
• The bill does not require reporting, public participation or any particular form of recognition.

Case for#

• The preamble says Thanadelthur’s story is little-known and highlights her contributions. A national day could give that story greater public recognition.
• The bill names her role in building peace between Denesuline and Cree people, as well as her role in the fur trade.
• A designation without holiday status would recognize the day without changing work schedules through this bill.

Case against#

• The bill creates a name for the day but does not require events, education or other action to give the designation practical effect.
• It provides no funding or responsible body, so the text does not establish how recognition would happen.
• Because the day is not a legal holiday or non-juridical day, the designation would not itself give people time off.