Month of February - Black History Month
Origin: North America
The origins of Black History Month can be traced to 1926, when Harvard-educated black historian Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week to celebrate the history, contributions and culture of African-Americans. The month of February was been designated as Black History month to showcase the achievements of Blacks in North America.
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-mont…
February 26 - Pink Shirt Day
Bullying is a major problem in our schools, workplaces, homes, and online. Over the month of February, and throughout the year, Pink Shirt Day aims to raise awareness of these issues, as well as raise funds to support programs that foster children’s healthy self-esteem.
8 March - International Women's Day
Origin: International
First marked in 1911 in many countries to protest women's working conditions. In 1977, the United Nations invited all member states to designate a day as International Women's Day and in most countries it is celebrated on March 8.
https://cfc-swc.gc.ca/commemoration/iwd-jif/index-en.html
21 March - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Origin: International
Proclaimed by the UN in 1966, this day is the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville shootings in South Africa where peaceful demonstrators against apartheid were killed. Since 1989, there has been a national public education campaign in Canada to raise awareness among Canadians of the
https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day
April 10 - International Day of Pink
The Day of Pink is the International Day against Bullying, Discrimination, Homophobia, Transphobia, and Transmisogyny across the world. We invite everyone to celebrate diversity by wearing a pink shirt and by organizing activities in their workplaces, schools and communities.
Month of May - Asian Heritage Month
Origin: North America
In the US since 1979; Canada since May 2002
May is Asian Heritage Month. This acknowledges the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada. It also provides an opportunity for Canadians across the country to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Canadians of Asian heritage to the growth and prosperity of Canada.
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/asian-heritage-mon…
May 11 - Moosehide Campaign Day
https://moosehidecampaign.ca/get-involved/moose-hide-campaign-day
May 17 - International Day against Homophobia
https://en.fondationemergence.org/
Last week of May - National AccessAbility Week (NAAW)
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) takes place every year starting on the last Sunday in May. It is a time when accessibility and inclusion is promoted across communities and workplaces and a time to celebrate the contributions of Canadians with disabilities. It is also an opportunity to recognize the efforts of Canadians who are actively removing barriers and ensuring persons with disabilities have an equal chance to participate in all aspects of Canadian society.
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/national-accessability-week.html
Month of June - National Indigenous History Month
Origin: Canada
June is National Indigenous History Month. This started in 2009 with the passing of a unanimous motion in the House of Commons.
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1466616436543/1534874922512
Month of June - National Pride Month
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_pride#LGBT_Pride_Month
June 21 - National Indigenous Peoples Day
Origin: Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/celebrate-canada/i…
September 30 - Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day is an event that started in 2013. It was designed to educate people and promote awareness about the Indian residential school system and the impact this system had on Indigenous communities for more than a century in Canada. It is held annually on September 30 in Canadian communities with students and staff being encouraged to wear an orange shirt to school that day.
https://www.orangeshirtday.org/
Month of October - Women's History Month
Origin: Canada
Celebrates women's contributions to Canada 's development, past and present.
https://cfc-swc.gc.ca/commemoration/whm-mhf/index-en.html
October 11 - International Day of the Girl Child
Origin: International
The United Nations has declared October 11, 2012 as the world's first International Day of the Girl Child.
Canada has led the international community in adopting this day, along with the support of Plan Canada. This day will make a difference in the lives of girls and young women as citizens and as powerful voices of change in their families, their communities and their nations.
https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/commemorations-celebrations/…
October 18 - Persons Day
https://cfc-swc.gc.ca/commemoration/whm-mhf/persons-personne-en.html
November 20 - Transgender Day of Remembrance
The Transgender Day of Remembrance, also known as the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, has been observed annually (from its inception) on November 20 as a day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia. It is a day to draw attention to the continued violence endured by transgender people.
December 3 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Origin: International
First declared in 1992, this day reminds people of the special concerns, rights and needs of disabled persons. December 3 is also the anniversary of the adoption of the World Program of Action concerning Disabled Persons in 1982.
https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-of-persons-with-disabilities
6 December - National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Origin: Canada
Established in 1991 by a parliamentary consensus to recognize and denounce violence against women in our society, this day coincides with the sad anniversary of the 1989 Montréal Massacre when fourteen young women were tragically killed at l'École Polytechnique because of their gender.
https://cfc-swc.gc.ca/commemoration/vaw-vff/remembrance-commemoration-e…
December 10 - International Human Rights Day
Origin: Worldwide
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted on 10 December 1948. The date has since served to mark Human Rights Day worldwide. The High Commissioner for Human Rights, as the main UN rights official, and her Office play a major role in coordinating efforts for the yearly observance of Human Rights Day.