Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

First week of November

November 2nd - 8th is Treaties Recognition Week.

Treaties Recognition Week honours the importance of treaties and our collective rights and responsibilities as treaty people. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities have a responsibility of knowing and upholding Treaty obligations. In Pickering, we reside on the Treaty and traditional territories of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Williams Treaties signatories of the Mississauga and Chippewa nations, which include Alderville, Beausoleil, Curve Lake, Georgina Island, Hiawatha, Rama, and Scugog Island. The existence of treaties is proof that the first settlers of what is now known as Canada recognized First Nations as sovereign people and negotiated Nation to Nation.

To learn more, visit the Government of Canada web page About Treaties.

November 7

November 7 is recognized as International Inuit Day, a time to celebrate and honour the rich cultures, languages, and knowledge systems of Inuit peoples across Inuit Nunangat - the homeland encompassing the four Inuit regions of Canada: Nunatsiavut, Nunavut, Nunavik, and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Established by the Inuit Circumpolar Council, this day highlights the strength, resilience, and contributions of Inuit communities, whose traditions and leadership continue to shape Canada’s cultural and environmental landscape. The City of Pickering invites residents to learn more about Inuit history, support Inuit-led initiatives, and reflect on how we can build stronger relationships grounded in respect, understanding, and reconciliation.

To learn more visit the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) Inuit Day web page.

The City of Pickering is flying its flags at half-mast today in recognition of Indigenous Veterans Day. Today, we pay tribute to the unwavering commitment, dedication, and contributions of all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Veterans who have served, and continue to serve, in Canada and around the world.

Visit the Government of Canada Indigenous Veterans web page to learn more about the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people across Turtle Island’s long and proud tradition of military service.

November 20

Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance and is observed annually every November 20th to honour the memory of Two-Spirit, trans and gender diverse people whose lives have been lost to anti-transgender violence locally and globally. Transgender Day of Remembrance was first observed in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a trans woman who was killed in 1998, and has since evolved into an annual observance and call to action to protect trans lives and raise awareness.

To learn more visit the PFLAG Transgender Day of Remembrance web page.

A Message from the Community for Trans Day of Remembrance:

As we mark the 26th year of this annual observance, which began in 1999 following the murder of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman, in 1998, we take this moment to honour and mourn the lives of every Two Spirit, trans, and gender diverse person that we have lost to transphobia, institutional and legislative violence, and suicide. 

As a community, we have a long legacy of resilience - as we continue to resist, we must remember that we deserve safety, joy, family, community, respect, and opportunities to thrive.

At a time when access to gender-affirming care is increasingly difficult, trans people are over-policed and under-employed, our rights are continuously debated, and we continue to face disproportionate instances of abuse, we must continue to fight for our rights, to speak up, and to channel this grief into action.  

As we reflect today on the lives of those we have lost, we hold on to the hope that we will get the chance to grow old and to lead beautiful lives, whatever that may mean for each of us. We stand in the footsteps of trans elders, of those whose visibility provided us with the words to express our truest selves. And while we know all too well that visibility does not always equal safety or protection, it is our hope that this day serves as a reminder that we deserve to take up space, to speak about the wonderful members of our community that are gone too soon, and to stand together in the hope that, one day, we will not have to spend so much time mourning.

To the trans community - I see you, I love you, and I will keep fighting for us. To our allies - thank you, the fight is not over.

November 25

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999, following a resolution that recognized the need to raise awareness about the violence women face globally. The date, November 25, was chosen to honor the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were assassinated in 1960 for their opposition to the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence.

This day serves as a crucial platform for advocating for women's rights and addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence. It calls for collective action to ensure that women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination, highlighting the importance of global solidarity in this fight.

To learn more visit the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women web page.

November 29

November 29 is recognized annually as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, as proclaimed by the United Nations in 1977. This day offers an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing pursuit of peace, dignity, and self-determination for the Palestinian people, and to reaffirm the importance of human rights, equality, and justice for all. Observed globally, the day encourages learning about Palestinian history, culture, and resilience, and promotes dialogue rooted in compassion and understanding. 

To learn more visit the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People web page.