Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

Sikh Heritage Month

April is recognized as Sikh Heritage Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Sikh Canadians. It also provides an opportunity to learn about Sikhism, one of the world’s youngest religions, founded in the 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia. Sikh Heritage Month highlights core values such as equality, service (seva), inclusion, and social justice, and encourages reflection on the important role Sikh communities have played in shaping Canadian society.

To learn more visit: www.sikhheritagemonth.ca

Good Friday

Good Friday is a significant Christian observance that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Observed during Holy Week on the Friday before Easter Sunday, it is a day of reflection, prayer, and remembrance for many Christians around the world. Traditions may include attending church services, fasting, or engaging in quiet contemplation. For many, Good Friday represents themes of sacrifice, compassion, and hope.

Easter

Easter is one of the most important celebrations in Christianity, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion. It is observed on the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox. Easter is a time of renewal, hope, and new beginnings, often celebrated through religious services, family gatherings, and cultural traditions such as shared meals and community events.

World Health Day

World Health Day is observed annually to raise awareness of global health issues and promote equitable access to healthcare for all. Led by the World Health Organization, each year focuses on a specific theme highlighting priority areas in public health. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of physical, mental, and social well-being, and encourages individuals, communities, and governments to take action toward building healthier, more inclusive societies.

International Day of Pink

The International Day of Pink is a global movement against bullying, discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia. Originating in Canada, it is observed annually on the second Wednesday of April and encourages individuals, schools, workplaces, and communities to wear pink as a symbol of solidarity and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The day promotes inclusion, kindness, and the creation of safe, respectful environments for people of all identities.

Yom HaShoah

Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, is a solemn day observed annually by Jewish communities around the world to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, as well as the millions of others who suffered under Nazi persecution, including Romani people, disabled individuals, and political dissidents. Typically falling on the 27th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, on this day, ceremonies, prayers, and moments of silence are held to honor the memories of victims and survivors of the Holocaust and reaffirm the commitment to preventing such atrocities in the future. Yom HaShoah is a time to honour and celebrate the courage and resilience of Jewish communities and pay tribute to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.

For further resources and learning, visit: www.jewishdurham.com

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

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