- Disability Pride Month: is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, struggles, empowerment, and visibility of the disability community, including the importance of accurate and diverse disability representation. The month encourages more mainstream conversations about disability and offers information on allyship. It is an opportunity to amplify authentic stories from people with different kinds of disabilities and encourage allies to continue taking action to eliminate ableism. Twenty-two per cent of Canadians live with a (visible or invisible) disability, and this number is expected to rise. Canadians with disabilities are an essential and valuable part of the fabric of Canadian society.
- Canada Day on July 1: A day commemorating the enactment of the Constitution Act in 1867, establishing Canada as a new federation with its own self-governing constitution. In many towns and cities, municipal governments organize a range of events, often outdoors. These include pancake breakfasts, parades, concerts, carnivals, festivals, firework displays and citizenship ceremonies for new Canadian citizens. The celebrations often have a patriotic mood. Canada’s national flag is widely displayed, and a lot of people paint their faces red and white, which are Canada’s national colors.
- Asala / Dharma Day on July 3: This celebration marks the day when the Buddha started teaching. Dharma Day is considered a time to reflect on the scriptures and express gratitude for the Buddha’s teachings.
- Nunavut Day on July 9: A day to commemorate the passing of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act and the Nunavut Act in 1993. It is a holiday in recognition of Nunavut’s history and traditions.
- Imamat Day on July 11: also known as Khushali, is celebrated by Ismaili Muslims to mark the anniversary of the day that their present Imam (spiritual leader) succeeded his predecessor to become the Imam of the Time.
- International Non-Binary People’s Day on July 14: This day, recognized around the world, shines a light on those who identify as non-binary and celebrates the rich diversity of the community.
- Nelson Mandela Day on July 18: Declared by the UN, Mandela Day is a day to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela and his values, through volunteering and community service, to fight poverty and promote peace, reconciliation, and cultural diversity.
- International Self-Care Day on July 24: raising awareness of the important role self-care plays in the health of Canadians and the sustainability of the health care system.
- Tisha B’Av on July 27: is 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. Begins at previous sundown.
Over the past two years, the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group has been excited to be able to host engagement sessions with employees from different communities to hear about their experiences within Christian Horizons. For example, in February of last year and this year, we hosted people from the Black community and in June, we’ve hosted people from the LGBTQ2S+ community.
July is celebrated as Disability Pride Month. On Wednesday, July 26th, 2023, we will be hosting engagement sessions with people from the disability community. More details will follow in the days ahead about the time and how to register. Stay tuned and thank you for considering this as we are moving forward together, building possibilities!
The best thing about Christian Horizons is the people – both those who use services and those who provide services. Each person brings their own unique perspective, history, culture, faith, and identity; and there is so much beauty in that diversity!
Christian Horizons Diversity and Inclusion Working Group