National Child Day is celebrated in Canada on November 20th to acknowledge the importance of children’s rights and our country’s commitment to upholding them. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) sets out the rights of children with 54 articles that provide us with a solid road map of what is needed to support children and youth to be safe, healthy, and included.
These rights can be sorted under three pillars:
- Protection – Right to be safe
- Provision – Right to be healthy
- Participation – Right to be yourself and to be heard
This year, we are highlighting Article 30 of the UNCRC, which protects every child’s right to practice their own culture, religion, and language. These rights are central to a child’s sense of identity and belonging, helping them connect with their heritage, communities, and traditions. Celebrating Article 30 means recognizing that each child carries unique cultural strengths and perspectives that enrich our society. Every young person deserves the opportunity to express and take pride in who they are.
The Alberta National Child Day coalition collaborates on education resources and events across the province. Visit our events page to see what’s happening in your community this year! Check out our resource page for booklists, activity toolkits, posters and more!
Booklists
EPL Picks Kids: National Child Day 2025
National Child Day 2023: Inclusion for Every Child | Edmonton Public Library
National Child Day | Calgary Public Library
Partner Resources
Raising Empathy School Program
Videos
NCD Videos List – A Child’s Right to Play – Healthy Development
The Young Canadians’ Parliament
Handouts
Toolkits
National Child Day Social Media Toolkit 2025
Starlings Children’s Rights Toolkit 2025
National Child Day Social Media Toolkit 2024
Rights Information
Frequently Asked Questions: Children’s Rights
EVENTS
HOW TO CELEBRATE
Twitter
Special thanks to the Alberta National Child Day Coalition members:
