Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

Asian Heritage Month

Asian Heritage Month was officially recognized by the Government of Canada in 2002 following a motion introduced by Senator Vivienne Poy. May was chosen to align with important dates in Asian history, including the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to Canada in 1877 and the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885, to which many Chinese labourers contributed under harsh and discriminatory conditions. The month is intended to recognize and celebrate the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of people of Asian descent in Canada, while also acknowledging ongoing experiences of racism and exclusion.

To learn more, visit: www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/asian-heritage-month.html

Canadian Jewish Heritage Month

Established in 2018 through the Canadian Jewish Heritage Month Act, this month recognizes the contributions of Jewish Canadians to the social, cultural, economic, and political fabric of the country. May was selected in part to coincide with the Jewish celebration, Yom Ha’atzmaut. The observance also provides an opportunity to reflect on the history of antisemitism in Canada and globally, and to promote education, awareness, and inclusion.

To learn more, visit: www.canada.ca/en/library-archives/corporate/updates/2023/jewish-heritage-month.html

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) (Red Dress Day)

May 5th marks the annual observance of Red Dress Day, also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). This observance honours and brings awareness to the thousands of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people who have been subjected to disproportionate gender-based and race-based violence in Canada. 

Red Dress Day was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project installation, where she hung empty red dresses to represent the missing and murdered women. Red dresses have since become symbolic of the crisis.

To learn more, visit the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls website.

Additional online resources are available through the Pickering Public Library. 

Moose Hide Campaign Day

Moose Hide Campaign Day began as a grassroots movement in 2011, founded by father and daughter Paul and Raven Lacerte of the Carrier Nation in British Columbia. The campaign started during a hunting trip along the Highway of Tears, where they witnessed the impacts of gender-based violence, particularly against Indigenous women and girls. The day raises awareness and calls for action to end violence against women, children, and all those along the gender continuum. Participants wear a small square of moose hide as a symbol of commitment to reconciliation, respect, and safety.

To learn more, visit: www.moosehidecampaign.ca. 

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

First observed in 2004, the IDAHOBIT aims to raise awareness of violence and discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ communities worldwide. The day marks the anniversary of May 17, 1990, when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental health disorders. The day is now recognized in over 130 countries and serves as a call to action for equality, human rights, and the elimination of stigma based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 

To learn more, visit: www.idahobit.org.au/

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Declared by UNESCO in 2002 following the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in 2001, this day highlights the importance of intercultural dialogue, inclusion, and cooperation. It recognizes cultural diversity as a driver of development, peace, and innovation. The day encourages individuals and organizations to deepen their understanding of different cultures and to foster environments where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.

For further resources and learning, visit: www.un.org/en/observances/cultural-diversity-day

Eid al-Adha

May 27 marks the beginning of Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world. The date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.

This is one of Islam’s most important holidays, usually lasting three-to-four days and including prayer, spending time with family and participating in charitable activities. Learn more about Eid al-Adha.

National AccessAbility Week (May 31 – June 6)

National AccessAbility Week was established in 2017 and expanded under the Accessible Canada Act in 2019. It builds on earlier initiatives such as National Access Awareness Week, first launched in the late 1980s by Rick Hansen following his Man in Motion World Tour. The week recognizes the contributions of people with disabilities in Canada and promotes efforts to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion. It also encourages reflection on the ongoing work needed to create equitable and accessible communities for all.

To learn more, visit: www.rickhansen.com/NAAW

National Indigenous History Month

National Indigenous History Month recognizes the rich histories, cultures, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. June was designated nationally in 2009 following years of advocacy by Indigenous organizations and communities. The month encourages learning about Indigenous histories and contemporary experiences, while also acknowledging the lasting impacts of colonialism, residential schools, and systemic inequities. It is an opportunity to support truth, reconciliation, and respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples. 
 
To learn more, visit: National Indigenous History Month 

Pride Month

Pride Month recognizes the histories, contributions, and resilience of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. June was chosen to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a pivotal moment in the movement for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. Pride events began as protests against discrimination and violence and have evolved into celebrations of identity, advocacy, and inclusion. The month also highlights the ongoing work needed to address inequities and support the rights and safety of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. 
 
To learn more, visit: Pride Durham

Seniors Month

Seniors Month is recognized across Canada as a time to celebrate the contributions, achievements, and experiences of older adults in communities and workplaces. The observance also raises awareness of issues affecting seniors, including social inclusion, accessibility, health, and ageism. It encourages recognition of the important roles seniors play as leaders, caregivers, volunteers, knowledge keepers, and community members. 

To learn more, visit: Celebrating seniors in Ontario

DeafBlind Awareness Month

DeafBlind Awareness Month raises awareness about the experiences and contributions of people who are deafblind. June was chosen to recognize the birth month of Helen Keller, an internationally known advocate who was deafblind and worked to advance disability rights and accessibility. The month highlights the importance of communication access, intervenor services, and removing barriers to inclusion for individuals living with combined vision and hearing loss. 
 
To learn more, visit: Deafblind Awareness Month

Filipino Heritage Month

Filipino Heritage Month was officially recognized in Canada in 2018 through the Filipino Heritage Month Act. June was selected to coincide with Philippine Independence Day on June 12, commemorating the Philippines’ declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1898. The month celebrates the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Filipino Canadians, one of the fastest-growing and largest Asian communities in Canada. 

 
To learn more, visit: Filipino Heritage Month 2026

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Established by the United Nations in 2006, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day raises awareness about the physical, emotional, financial, and social abuse experienced by older adults worldwide. The day promotes the protection of the rights, dignity, and well-being of seniors and encourages action to prevent neglect, isolation, and mistreatment. It also highlights the importance of creating safe, inclusive, and supportive communities for older adults.  
 
To learn more, visit: About WEAAD

World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day was established by the United Nations in 2001 to honour the strength, resilience, and contributions of refugees around the world. The day recognizes individuals and families who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence, or human rights violations. It also raises awareness about the rights of refugees and the importance of protection, inclusion, and humanitarian support. 
 
To learn more, visit: World Refugee Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes and celebrates the diverse cultures, languages, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada. First proclaimed in 1996, June 21 was chosen because it coincides with the summer solstice, which holds cultural and spiritual significance for many Indigenous communities and has long been a time for gathering, ceremony, and celebration. The day provides an opportunity for learning, reflection, and participation in celebrations that honour Indigenous Peoples and cultures. 
 
To learn more, visit: National Indigenous Peoples Day

Canadian Multiculturalism Day 

Canadian Multiculturalism Day celebrates the cultural diversity of people living in Canada and reflects the country’s multiculturalism policy, introduced in 1971. Established in 2002, the day recognizes the contributions of diverse communities to Canadian society and encourages dialogue, inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding. It also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of equity, anti-racism, and belonging in multicultural communities. 

To learn more, visit: Canadian Multiculturalism Day