July 25, 2024
 
The August 2024 Diversity Calendar is attached. Please print it to share with the people you serve, post it in a communal area, and keep it handy to refer to on your own. 
 

This month, we highlight a variety of international days that celebrate women’s rights, the cultures of Indigenous people, and those of African descent.

Days and months of significance are a way to raise awareness and action about historical, cultural and equitable practices that will help create a more inclusive society. Diversity isn’t the same as inclusion. Think of inclusion as the next step to successfully supporting a diverse culture: it’s all about creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and includes each one of us.
 
 

Download the August Diversity Calendar

In August, we celebrate and remember:

  • Canada Emancipation Day on August 1: Recognized across Canada, marking the end of slavery in the British Empire in 1834. Emancipation Day celebrates the strength and perseverance of Black communities in Canada.
  • Civic Holiday on August 5: 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.
  • Tisha B’Av on August 12: A period of fasting, lamentation, and prayer to remember the destruction of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem, as well as other tragedies that have occurred on this day. It is described as the saddest day on the Jewish calendar.
  • National Acadian Day on August 15: Since 1881, Acadians have celebrated National Acadian Day on August 15. The 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.
  • The Assumption of Mary into Heaven on August 15: Often shortened to the Assumption, this refers to Mary’s death and ascent to heaven and is celebrated by Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
  • 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 and its Abolition.
  • 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.

“The best thing about Karis Disability Services is the people – both those who use services and those who provide services. We honour the diverse, intersectional, and inclusive community we live in. We also celebrate each person’s unique perspective, history, culture, faith, and identity; and there is so much beauty in that diversity!”

Catalina Hernandez, on behalf of Karis Disability Services Diversity and Inclusion Working Group