July 30, 2026

The August 2026 Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) Calendar is here! More than a calendar, it is an invitation to connect, learn, and grow through the recognition of cultural and religious holidays, heritage months, and awareness observances. We encourage you to print and display the calendar in shared spaces, share it with the people you support, and keep a copy for your own reference throughout the month.

This August, we recognize Emancipation Month and Emancipation Day (August 1), a time to reflect on the history and lasting impacts of slavery in Canada and around the world, and to honour the resilience, contributions, and leadership of Black communities. We also recognize the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (August 9), which invites us to celebrate the rich cultures, languages, and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, while deepening our commitment to truth, reconciliation, and respectful relationships.

At Karis Disability Services, belonging means creating spaces where every person is celebrated, valued, and empowered to participate fully. As we learn from one another’s histories, experiences, and perspectives, we strengthen our shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and communities where everyone can thrive.

Together, let’s continue to foster understanding, celebrate diversity, and build a culture of belonging for all.

Download the August 2026 Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) Calendar

In August, we celebrate and remember:

  • Canada Emancipation Day on August 1: celebrating the strength and perseverance of Black
    communities in Canada. Recognized across Canada, marking the end of slavery in the British
    Empire in 1834.
  • Civic Holiday on August 3: known by a variety of names across Canada and celebrated according to local municipal traditions and history.
  • Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 6: celebrated by various Christian communities in commemoration of the occasion upon which Jesus Christ took three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John, up on a mountain, where Moses and Elijah appeared and Jesus was transfigured, his face and clothes becoming dazzlingly bright. The festival celebrates the revelation of the eternal glory of the Second Person of the Trinity, which was normally veiled during Christ’s life on earth. According to tradition, the event took place on Mount Tabor.
  • International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9: Pronounced by the United
    Nations, this is a day to promote and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous populations and recognize the achievements and contributions that Indigenous peoples make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.
  • National Acadian Day on August 15: Since 1881, Acadians have celebrated National Acadian Day on August 15. Canada’s federal and provincial governments officially recognized National Acadian Day in 2003 and 2004 respectively. It is a day marked by colourful community festivals and family events that bring Acadian culture and history to life.
  • World Humanitarian Day on August 19: This day is dedicated to humanitarians worldwide, as well as to increase public understanding of humanitarian assistance activities.
  • International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief on August 22: On this day, the international community honours the survivors and victims of religious-based violence. A timely reminder of the growing number, range, and intensity of such acts of violence around the world.
  • International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition on August 23: A day designated by the UNESCO to memorialize the transatlantic slave trade.
  • Women’s Equality Day on August 26: Commemorating the passage of women’s suffrage in the U.S. and reminds us of the hurdles overcome by the heroic women who faced violence and
    discrimination to propel the women’s movement forward. Women aren’t done fighting for equal rights. Today, the wage gap between men and women still impacts women’s economic power, and gender-based discrimination still plagues workplaces and business transactions.
  • International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31: A day to remember without stigma those who have died and to acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.

Kimberly Fehr, on behalf of the Karis Disability Services Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Working Group