Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

 Islamic History Month

Canadian Islamic History Month is recognized each October as an opportunity to celebrate and learn about the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Muslim communities across Canada. First established in 2007, the month highlights the diversity of Muslim communities and the many ways Muslim Canadians have contributed to the country’s social, cultural, economic, scientific, and civic life. It is also an opportunity to deepen understanding of Muslim experiences in Canada, challenge stereotypes and misinformation, and reflect on the importance of addressing Islamophobia, discrimination, and hate while fostering communities where people can express their faith and identity safely and freely.  

To learn more, visit: www.islamichistorymonth.ca

Latin American Heritage Month

Latin American Heritage Month is recognized across Canada each October as a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Latin American communities. Formally recognized by the Parliament of Canada in 2018, the month highlights the diverse experiences and identities of people with roots across Latin America and their ongoing contributions to Canada’s social, cultural, economic, and civic life. It is also an opportunity to learn about the diversity within Latin American communities and reflect on the importance of addressing racism, discrimination, and barriers to inclusion.  

To learn more, visit: www.latinamericanheritagemonth.com

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is recognized each October to celebrate the skills, talents, and contributions of people with disabilities in workplaces across Canada and to advance disability-inclusive employment. The month encourages employers and communities to identify and remove barriers in recruitment, hiring, accommodation, career development, and workplace participation. It is also an opportunity to recognize that accessibility and disability inclusion benefit workplaces as a whole by creating environments where employees of all abilities have equitable opportunities to contribute and thrive. The 2026 NDEAM theme is “Skills Grow Economies. Disability Inclusion Fuels the Growth.”  

To learn more, visit: www.odenetwork.com/initiatives/annual-ndeam-campaign   

National Seniors Day

National Seniors Day is recognized across Canada on October 1 as an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the important contributions older adults have made and continue to make to our families, workplaces, communities, and society. The day also encourages greater awareness of the experiences of older adults and the importance of fostering communities where people can age with dignity, respect, inclusion, and meaningful opportunities to participate.

To learn more, visit: www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/national-seniors-day

National Day of Action of MMIWG2S

On October 4, we commemorate the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Gender Diverse peoples. We honour the lives and legacies of the victims and survivors, the women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ loved ones impacted by this tragic and on-going violence by advocating for justice and change.

To learn more, visit: www.mmiwg-ffada.ca

International Pronouns Day 

International Pronouns Day is an annually recognized date that is held on the third Wednesday of October. International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Let us continue to celebrate people's multiple, intersecting identities today and every day.

To learn more, visit: www.pronouns.org

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Observed annually on October 17, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty recognizes poverty as an issue of human rights and dignity and calls attention to the systemic barriers that contribute to social and economic exclusion. The day encourages governments, organizations, and communities to centre the voices and experiences of people living in poverty and to work toward equitable access to housing, food, health care, education, employment, and opportunities to participate fully in community life. The 2026 observance focuses on “Safe Homes for All,” recognizing adequate and secure housing as an important foundation for dignity, well-being, and inclusion. 

To learn more, visit: www.un.org/en/observances/day-for-eradicating-poverty

Persons Day

Persons Day commemorates the historic October 18, 1929 decision that legally recognized women as “persons” eligible for appointment to the Senate of Canada. The decision, resulting from the advocacy of the women known as the Famous Five, marked an important step toward greater participation of women in Canada’s public and political life. However, the rights and opportunities gained through the decision were not experienced equally by all women, including Indigenous women and women of Asian heritage and descent. Today, Persons Day provides an opportunity to recognize progress toward gender equality while reflecting on the barriers that continue to affect women and gender-diverse communities.

To learn more, visit: www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/commemorations-celebrations/womens-history-month/persons-day

Deaf Awareness Month

Deaf Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn about Deaf culture, history, identity, and the diversity of experiences within Deaf and hard of hearing communities. It also raises awareness of accessibility, communication equity, and the importance of recognizing sign languages as distinct, fully developed languages.  

To learn more, visit: www.cad-asc.ca

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah, meaning “head of the year” in Hebrew, marks the Jewish New Year and the beginning of the High Holy Days. Observed over two days, it is a time for reflection, prayer, renewal, and gathering with family and community. Traditions may include sounding the shofar and eating symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey to welcome a sweet new year.  

To learn more, visit: www.jewishdurham.com 

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is considered the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. Through reflection, empathy, forgiveness, and community, it fosters a profound personal change, culminating the work that began with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year). 
 
Many use this time for fasting from sunset to sunset, reflection, and remembering loved ones who have passed. This year, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20 and ends at nightfall on Monday, September 21.  

To learn more, visit: www.jewishdurham.com

International Day of Sign Language

The International Day of Sign Languages is observed annually on September 23rd to raise awareness about the importance of sign languages and advocate for the rights of deaf individuals, the deaf community, and other sign language users worldwide. This date also coincides with the International Week of Deaf People and Deaf Awareness Month.

Sign languages are complete and unique languages with their own grammar and vocabulary, used by many deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals as their primary means of communication. The International Day of Sign Languages serves as a platform to celebrate the richness and diversity of sign languages across the globe.

To learn more, visit: www.cad-asc.ca 

Sukkot

Sukkot is a week-long Jewish festival that commemorates the biblical journey through the desert following the Exodus from Egypt and also celebrates the autumn harvest. A central tradition is building a temporary outdoor structure called a sukkah, where meals and gatherings may take place, serving as a reminder of shelter, gratitude, community, and the temporary nature of material security. In 2026, Sukkot begins at sundown on Friday, September 25 and ends at nightfall on Friday, October 2.

To learn more, visit: www.jewishdurham.com

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day is observed annually on September 30 to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, Survivors, their families, and communities. Orange Shirt Day began from the experience of residential school Survivor Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school. The day encourages learning about the history and ongoing impacts of the residential school system and reflects the message that Every Child Matters, while supporting continued truth-telling, reconciliation, and respect for Indigenous Peoples.

To learn more and for further resources, visit: www.orangeshirtday.org