Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

Treaties Recognition Week

Observed annually during the first full week of November, November 1st - 7th 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 "About Treaties" published by the Government of Canada.

International Inuit Day

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 "Inuit Day: Celebrating the language and culture of Inuit in Canada and internationally" published by The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH).

National Indigenous Veterans Day

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 "Indigenous Veterans" published by Veterans Affairs Canada to learn more about the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people across Turtle Island’s long and proud tradition of military service.

International Transgender Day of Remembrance

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 "Transgender Day of Remembrance" published by PFlag.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

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 "International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - 25 November" published by The United Nations. 

 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