May 2021
INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA
The International Day Against Homophobia (or IDAHO, as it is sometimes known) is celebrated around the world on May 17. This annual day to mark the fight to make our society inclusive of all sexualities was founded in Montreal in 2003 by the human rights group Fondation Émergence. It was quickly embraced across Canada, and then internationally. The day is particularly strong in Europe and Latin America, where it is commemorated with public events in almost all countries. May 17…
Find out more »WORLD TURTLE DAY
Sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue, World Turtle Day brings attention to, and respect for, turtles and tortoises... encouraging human action to help them survive and thrive. World Turtle Day is celebrated around the globe in a variety of ways, from dressing up as turtles or wearing green summer dresses, to saving turtles caught on highways, to research activities. Turtle Day lesson plans and craft projects encourage teaching about turtles in classrooms.
Find out more »FLOWER MOON
The Full Moon in May is known as the Flower Moon. Other names include the Corn Planting Moon, and the Milk Moon, while some named it the Hare Moon. In ancient times, it was common to track the changing seasons by following the lunar month rather than the solar year, which the 12 months in our modern calendar are based on. For millennia, people across Europe, as well as Native American tribes, named the months after features they associated with…
Find out more »June 2021
International Children’s Day
“International Children’s Day”, first proclaimed in 1925 by the World Conference For the Well-Being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland. The day is designed to draw attention to any and all children’s issues.
Find out more »WORLD OCEANS DAY
World Oceans Day takes place every 8 June. It is an annual observation to honor, help protect, and conserve the world’s oceans. The ocean provides us with many resources and services including oxygen, climate regulation, food sources, medicine, and more HOW TO OBSERVE On social media, use #WorldOceansDay to follow the day.
Find out more »FATHER’S DAY
Fathers Day is a day for people to show their appreciation for fathers and father figures. Father figures may include stepfathers, fathers-in-law, guardians (eg. foster parents), and family friends. Canadians observe Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June. Father's Day is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday, and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in Canada. (A tie always works as a present).
Find out more »NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples. June 21 was chosen for National Aboriginal Day (now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day) for the summer solstice. Many Indigenous people have celebrated their culture and heritage on this day due to the significance of the summer solstice…
Find out more »July 2021
INDEPENDENCE DAY (US)
Independence Day (colloquially the Fourth of July or July 4) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States, on July 4, 1776. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our southern neighbours!!
Find out more »Birthday – TERRY FOX
Terrance Stanley Fox CC OD (July 28, 1958 – June 28, 1981) was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated due to cancer, he embarked on an east to west cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest after 143 days and 5,373 km, and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting,…
Find out more »August 2021
NATAL DAY
Natal Day is a public holiday in Nova Scotia, where it is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. The Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day events were cancelled last summer. The Natal Day committee looks forward to hosting the annual event in 2021 and celebrating over 125 years of Natal Day.
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