Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2015-2016 Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2015-2016 ......
Transcript of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2015-2016 Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2015-2016 ......
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Calendar
2015-2016
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Calendar
2015-2016
Living Together is an Art - Northumberland Centre for Individual Studies
One Community, Many Perspectives
The Kawartha Pine Ridge Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Calendar 2015-2016
“People in OUR Community”Queen Elizabeth Public School
One of the many responsibilities of a school district is to ensure fair
and equitable treatment of all students and employees with diverse
backgrounds. The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR)
believes in the power of education to change thinking, attitudes and
behaviours. The Board remains committed to identifying and
eliminating systemic barriers that limit the academic success and life
chances of students, as well as the career opportunities of employees.
The Board’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee operates with a
mandate to promote and raise awareness of issues relating to equity,
diversity and inclusion.
For the eleventh consecutive year, members of the Equity, Diversity
and Inclusion Committee challenged schools to create art commenting
on themes related to equity, diversity and inclusion. The theme for this
year’s calendar is One Community, Many Perspectives. To account for
a variety of learning needs and styles, school communities were
encouraged to use diverse media. Their goal was to artistically portray
ways in which students, staff and community members can foster
positive change that builds a more fair, inclusive and equitable society.
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Calendar represents a partnership
among students, staff, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee,
Human Resource Services, Multimedia Services and the
Communications Office. It aims to serve as a resource for students,
staff and school communities. It celebrates the creativity of KPR
students and provides information about:
Significant equity and diversity dates recognized by the United
Nations, Canada and Ontario
Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Islamic and Sikh holy days
and feasts
Dates of significance to communities within the KPR district (e.g. First
Nations and Métis)
Canadian civic holidays
Equinox, solstice and daylight savings dates
The KPR Board Calendar.
An electronic version with accompanying resource suggestions is
available within the online Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource
Library on the Board’s website: www.kprschools.ca
Special thanks go to the many individuals who supported this project,
including:
Each student, educator, volunteer and staff member involved in
creating artwork
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee members
Alderville, Curve Lake, and Hiawatha First Nations
Peterborough Pride Committee
Trent University, Department of Indigenous Studies
Staff and community organizations who suggested holy days, feasts
and days of significance
Steve Spracklin, KPR’s Learning Resource Centre.
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Living, learning and leadingequitably and inclusively.
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team supports the advancement of equity, diversity, inclusion and
respect for the dignity of all persons within the KPR community. In collaboration with students, staff,
trustees, and community partners, the team supports student achievement through just and fair
working and learning environments. Our team’s work is guided primarily by the principles and practices
mandated under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the
Education Act, the Safe Schools Act, Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy, the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
In collaboration with other departments and programs, the Team:
Implements the Board’s equity-related policies and administrative regulations
Develops and ensures adherence to KPR’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Involves community partners in equity and diversity initiatives
Provides anti-discrimination education within the system
Develops capacity among staff and students to advance equity, value diversity, and create more
inclusive and respectful environments
Creates and disseminates resources that enhance understanding of, and across, diverse
communities.
The Board has an advisory Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee that consists of representatives
from all employee groups. The mandate of this committee is to address equity, diversity and
inclusiveness in educational, human resources and business services of the Board, and to provide
leadership and direction in the areas of equity, diversity and inclusion.
In 2014-2015, the Board undertook many equity-related actions to support safety and student
achievement. These included:
Continuing the Board’s Creating Safe and Positive Spaces initiative to build school and staff
capacity for creating safer and more accepting schools and workplaces for students, staff and
community members who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirited,
or questioning (LGBTQ+) as well as for allies, friends and families.
Piloting a new staff development certificate program, called Focusing Our Equity Lens. A partnership
between the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team and the Leadership and Staff Development
Department, this new program, modeled after the Harmony Movement’s Educator’s Equity
Workshop, was successfully run throughout the fall and winter. 2015 – 2016 programming offerings
available for staff are outlined on PD Place.
Providing ongoing training to staff, including new employees and supervisors, school equity contacts
and aspiring leaders.
Supporting the development and implementation of the All Staff Wellness Survey in collaboration
with Human Resources. This survey aimed to assist in setting Board goals, and in determining
policies, practices and procedures that support all members of our staff in the areas of Health and
Safety, Equity and Employee Health and Well-being.
Developing KPR's Transgender and Gender Non-conforming Guidelines for Staff and Students.
Supporting ongoing compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, including:
implementation of Accessibility Awareness training for all staff, volunteers and contractors; continued
implementation of KPR’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan; and information and communications
updates, including enhancements to website accessibility and the provision of accessible formats
and feedback processes.
Continued support implementing the Ministry of Education’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy
in all areas of the Board.
Community participation and involvement with external organizations are critical to the success of
KPR’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team and programming initiatives.
Strategic partnerships and involvement in 2014-2015 included:
Barrie Regional Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy Network of School Boards, Ministry of
Education
EGALE Canada, Safer and Accepting Schools workshops supporting KPR’s Creating Safe and
Positive Spaces staff development initiative
The Harmony Movement Equity Leadership Training Program for students
Partner, Settlement Workers in Schools program with the New Canadians Centre
Member of Rainbow Youth Coalition and the YWCA’s Week without Violence Committee.
In addition to these partnerships, we continue to be engaged with school boards, organizations, and
community agencies and members, within the Board area, provincially and nationally.
If you would like additional information about Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at KPR, please visit the
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource Library at www.kprschools.ca.
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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at KPR
Clarke High School“Community Rules”
Vincent Massey Public School
“Many brains combined provide nourishment forcommunities to grow” - Jeannie Carter, Vincent Massey P.S Secretary”
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30
Peterborough Pride
Week begins
Curve Lake
Pow Wow
Peterborough Pride
Week ends
Powley Day
Peterborough Pride
Parade
Curve Lake
Pow Wow
International Dayof Peace (UN)
National Hunger
Awareness Week
begins (Can) Arafat Day
Autumn Equinox
Eid-al-Adha **
Mabon/Harvestide*
Yom Kippur*
Leaves Turning
Colour Moon
Labour Day
Schools &
Board Closed
Professional
Activity Day
Terry Fox National
School Run Day
Eid-al-Adha **
Rosh Hashanah*
International Day of
Democracy (UN)
Rosh Hashanah* Ganesh Chaturthi
International
Literacy Day (UN)
First Day of School
Krishna Jayanti/
Janmashtami**
Leaves TurningColour Moon –WaabbabagaaGiizis (Anishinaabe- First Nations)
September 2015September 2015
2015According to the United Nations
Index of Holy Days
Significant Dates
2005-2015 -2008-2017 -
2014-2024 -
2015-2024 -
International Decade for Action: “Water for Life”
Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication
of Poverty
United Nations Decade of Sustainable Energy
for All
International Decade for People of African Descent
The Leaves Turning Colour Moon – Waabbabagaa Giizis(Anishinaabe - First Nations) Month of September
Krishna Jayanti/Janmashtami (Hindu)** - September 5
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)* - September 14 - 15
Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu) - September 17
Curve Lake Pow Wow (First Nations) - September 19 - 20
Arafat Day (Muslim) - September 22
Eid-al-Adha (Muslim)** - September 23 - 26
Mabon/Harvestide (Wiccan) - September 23
Yom Kippur (Jewish)* - September 23
Peterborough Pride Parade - September 19
Powley Day - September 19
International Day of Peace (UN) - September 21
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, local orregional customs
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – At this time of the year the leaves
begin to change colour from green to yellow, orange, red and brown.
The literal translation of this moon in Ojibway is "the fading of the
leaves.”
This festival marks the birth of Krishna, the most venerated God in
Hinduism.
Rosh Hashanah celebrates New Year as harvest ends. It is a time
for reflection and self-assessment for the community and for
individuals, as well as a time for promoting universal peace and
well-being.
This is a celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesh, the elephant-
headed God known as the Remover of Obstacles.
A Pow Wow is a spiritual and social gathering. First Nations peoples
come together to celebrate and honour traditions through drumming,
singing and dancing. Visit www.curvelakefirstnation.ca for information.
Also known as the Day of Hajj, Arafat Day marks the annual
pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims are encouraged to complete at
least once in their lifetime.
Celebrates the end of the Hajj or the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, one
of the five pillars of Islam, observed by Muslim communities.
Mabon falls on the Autumn Equinox and marks the middle of harvest.
It is a time of equal day and equal night when nature is in balance.
During this time, thanks are given to the earth for its bounty.
Day of Atonement is the year’s holiest day and a day of fasting to
re-establish oneness with God.
A celebration of the history, diversity, courage and future of the
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersex and two-
spirit communities.
Celebrates the Supreme Court decision in R. v. Powley, which
granted Métis Harvesting Rights, especially important at this time of
year.
This day is dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace, both
within and among all nations and peoples.
For more information and resources related to these dates, please
refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource Library
available at www.kprschools.ca.
Eid-al-Adha**
National Hunger
Awareness Week
ends (Can)
Professional
Activity DayEid-al-Adha**
August 2015
S M T W T F S
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2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
October 2015
S M T W T F S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Elementary School Days
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Hallowe'en
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Week without
Violence begins
Thanksgiving Day
Schools &
Board Closed
German Pioneers
Day (ON)
Navaratri begins** Al-Hijira**
World Food
Day (UN)
International Dayfor the Eradicationof Poverty (UN)
Persons' Day (Can)
Week without
Violence ends Birth of the Báb* Navaratri ends** Dussehra**
United Nations
Day (UN)
October is...
Index of Holy Days
Autism Awareness Month (Can)Canadian Library MonthIslamic History Month (Can)
The Falling Leaves Moon – BinaaKawii Giizis (Anishinaabe- First Nations) Month of October
Simchat Torah (Jewish)* - October 6
Navaratri (Hindu)** - October 13 - 21
Al-Hijira (Muslim)** - October 14
Birth of the B b (Bah ' )* - October 20
Persons’ Day (Canada) - October 18
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, local orregional customs
Learning Disabilities Awareness MonthWomen's History Month (Can)
Dussehra (Hindu)** - October 22
Hallowe’en - October 31
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – This is the month when the
leaves fall to the ground, preparing Mother Earth for the coming
months of winter. For more information on local Full Moon
Ceremonies go to www.facebook.com/groups/16994197269 or
contact Trent University Department of Indigenous Studies.
Simchat Torah marks the end of Succoth, a joyous occasion
concluding with the synagogue reading of the Torah
(Pentateuch).
A festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil, Navaratri
honours God as a mother figure - an element that is unique
from many other religions. Women traditionally plant nine
different seeds at this time, in honour of the goddess Durga.
The first of Muharram 1492, the Muslim New Year marks the
migration of the Prophet Mohammad and his followers from
Mecca to Medina.
Observes the birth of the B b, one of two founders of Bah `
and Proclaimer of the faith.
Commemorates the date in 1829 when England’s Privy Council
decided that women were indeed persons and therefore entitled
to all the rights of persons under the law. This reversed the
1927 decision by Canada’s Supreme Court that the word
“person” did not include women. It also created the opportunity
for women to be appointed to the Canadian Senate.
For more information and resources related to these dates,
please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource
Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
á á íá á í
Dussehra continues from Navaratri festivities to celebrate the
triumph of good over evil. It honours the Goddess Durga.
Stems from Celtic origins and marks a time when people
believed spirits of the dead crossed over into the world of the
living for one night. Many people wear costumes and children
visit homes in their neighbourhoods to receive candy.
Significant Dates
The Falling
Leaves Moon
World Habitat
Day (UN)
World Teachers'
Day (UN) Simchat Torah*
International Day of
Non-Violence (UN)
The Falling LeavesMoon - BinaaKawiiGiizis (Anishinaabe -First Nations)
October 2015October 2015
September 2015
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30
November 2015
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh
World Diabetes
Day (WHO)
Bullying Awareness
and Prevention
Week begins (ON)
International Day of
Tolerance (UN)
Louis Riel Day
International
Students' Day (UN)
Transgender Day of
Remembrance
Universal Children's
Day (UN)
Bullying Awareness
and Prevention
Week ends
Martyrdom of Guru
Tegh Bahadur
Birthday of
Guru Nanak
Freezing
Moon
White Ribbon
Campaign begins
(Can) Day of the Covenant
Professional
Activity Day
Ascension of
Abdu'l-Bahá
International Day of
Solidarity with the
Palestinian People
(UN)
Index of Holy Days
Significant Dates
Freezing Moon – Baashkaakodin Giizis (Anishinaabe- First Nations) Month of November
Samhain (Wiccan)* - November 1
Diwali (Hindu)** - November 11
Birth of Bah 'u'll h (Bah ' ) - November 12
Birthday of Guru Nanak (Sikh) - November 25
Day of the Covenant ( ) - November 26
Ascension of Abdu'l-Bah ( ) - November 28
Louis Riel Day (Can) - November 16
Transgender Day of Remembrance - November 20
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – The weather is getting
colder and the ground begins to freeze, soon the snow
will come to cover the ground for another winter.
Samhain literally means “summer’s end” and marks the
end of harvest and beginning of winter. It is considered
to be one of the most powerful times of the year when
the veil between the spirit world and the world of the
living are at their thinnest. Samhain is a time to honour
ancestors, mourn those who have died in the last year,
and to reconnect and make contact with the dead.
This festival of lights features lanterns, flowers, electric
lights and oil lamps called Adiyas. Gifts are also
exchanged.
Commemorates the birth of the founder of the Bah '
faith, Bah 'u'll h, in 1817.
Born in the 1400s, Guru Nanak was the founder of
Sikhism.
Commemorates Bah 'u'll h’s promise about the work
that his son and successor, Abdu'l-Bah , would do in the
name of the faith.
was Bah 'u'll h's eldest son and successor,
and was famed for his 1911-1913 teachings in Europe
and America, which spread the message to the
western world.
Commemorates the life of Louis Riel, a politician who
represented the Métis people’s interests.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance memorializes
those who have been murdered because of transphobia,
anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. This day is also an
opportunity to raise public awareness of hate crimes
against transgender people and to acknowledge one of
the most prevalent causes for student bullying: gender
identity and expression.
á á á
á
í
á
á á
á á
á
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í
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Sikh) - November24 (Nanakshahi)
Bahá'í
Bahá'í
Bahadur became a martyr and hero in 1675 when he
was beheaded for refusing Islam at a time when it was
being enforced.
Bah 'í
Abdu'l-Bah
Bah 'í
á
á
á
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, local orregional customs
For more information and resources related to these dates,
please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource
Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
Diwali**
Remembrance
Day (Can)
Daylight Savings
Time ends
Samhain*
Freezing Moon –Baashkaakodin Giizis(Anishinaabe - FirstNations)
November 2015November 2015
October 2015
S M T W T F S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
December 2015
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
World AIDS
Day (UN)
International
Volunteer Day (UN)
InternationalHuman Rights Day(UN)
Hanukkah Hanukkah Hanukkah
Hanukkah Hanukkah
International
Migrants' Day (UN)
International Human
Solidarity Day (UN)
Winter Solstice
Yule*
Schools Closed Schools Closed
Milad al-Nabi*
Schools Closed
Schools &
Board Closed
Christmas Day
(Christian)
Little Spirit
Moon
Schools &
Board Closed
Boxing Day (Can)
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa
Index of Holy Days
Little Spirit Moon – Mnidoo Giiz’soons (Anishinaabe - FirstNations) Month of December
Hanukkah (Jewish)* - December 7 - 14
Yule (Wiccan)* – December 21
Milad al-Nabi (Muslim)* - December 23
Christmas (Christian) - December 25
Kwanzaa (African-American) -December 26 - January 1
National Day of Remembrance and Action on ViolenceAgainst Women (Can) - December 6
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, local orregional customs
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – As December isn't always too
blustery and stormy just yet, that type of weather is attributed to
the work of the "Little Spirit."
Chanukah is the Jewish “Festival of Lights.” It is celebrated for
eight days to commemorate the victory of the Maccabees over
Hellenistic Greeks in the 2nd century before the Common Era,
and to celebrate the power of God and the faithfulness of Israel.
A time to hold vigil together through the longest night of the year
and at the dawn welcome the turning of the wheel and the
return of the light. It is a time for ritually shedding the impurities
of the past year and for contemplating avenues of spiritual
development in the year ahead.
A quiet festival marking Muhammad’s birth and death.
Honours the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the
Son of God.
A holiday based on the African tradition of celebrating the
harvesting of the first fruits (Kwanzaa means “first”). Kwanzaa
was recreated and introduced in the U.S. by California college
professor Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. The celebration has
now spread worldwide; Kwanzaa is celebrated by millions of
people in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and America.
This day promotes awareness and mobilizes support for critical
issues related to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in
society.
On December 6, 1989, 14 women at l'École Polytechnique de
Montréal were killed in a gender-based act of violence. In 1991,
the Parliament of Canada declared December 6 to be the
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against
Women. The day now represents a time to reflect on the
phenomenon of violence against women-identified people in our
society and to speak out against all forms of violence against
women and girls.
This day is meant to build awareness of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights as the common standard of
achievement for all peoples and all nations.
For more information and resources related to these dates,
please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource
Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
Bodhi Day (Buddhist) - December 8
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (UN) -December 3
International Human Rights Day (UN) - December 10
Date of Siddhartha Gautama’s realization and presentation to
fellow seekers of the Four Noble Truths.
Significant Dates
Kwanzaa
Schools &
Board Closed
Kwanzaa
Schools &
Board Closed
Kwanzaa
Schools &
Board Closed
New Year’s Eve
Kwanzaa
Schools &
Board Closed
National Day of
Remembrance and
Action on Violence
Against Women
(Can)
White Ribbon
Campaign ends
(Can) Hanukkah*
Bodhi Day
Hanukkah Hanukkah
International Dayof Persons withDisabilities (UN)
International Day for
the Abolition of
Slavery (UN)
Little Spirit Moon –Mnidoo Giiz’soons(Anishinaabe -First Nations)
December 2015December 2015
November 2015
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
January 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
World Braille Day
Makar Sankranti
WorldReligion Day*
Martin Luther King
Jr. Day
Spirit
Moon
Mahayana New
Year**
Mahayana New
Year**
Mahayana New
Year**
Family Literacy
Day (Can)
International Day of
Commemoration in
Memory of the
Victims of the
Holocaust (UN)
Mahayana New
Year** Secondary Exams
2016According to the United Nations
Significant Dates
International Year of Pulses
Kwanzaa (African-American) -December 26 - January 1
Makar Sankranti (Hindu) - January 14
World Religion Day (Bahá’i/Multifaith)* - January 17
World Braille Day – January 4
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 18
January is ...Tamil Heritage Month (ON)
Spirit Moon – Mnidoo Giizis (Anishinaabe - FirstNations) Month of January
Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh (Sikh) - January 5
Epiphany (Christian) - January 6
Christmas (Orthodox-Christian) - January 7
Mahayana New Year (Buddhist)** - January 24 - 27
Index of Holy Days
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – This month is usually cold
with many unpredictable storms, as if some unseen
force was at work; the howling wind and the snapping of
the twigs from the frost add to the idea of a "Spirit" at
work.
Guru Gobind Singh instituted the five items of faith worn
by Sikhs - Kesh, Kanga, Kara, Kaccha, Kirpan - and
established the Order of the Khalsa.
Originates from a Greek word meaning “to show” and
signifies the time when Jesus was revealed to the world.
See December Index.
While Buddhists all over the world celebrate the New
Year at different times, Mahayana Buddhists observe it
with special rituals, prayers, songs, food and gatherings
on the first full moon day in January.
See December Index.
Makar Sankranti observes the first Hindu festival of the
solar calendar year.
World Religion Day was instituted by the Bahá’i
community in 1950 to help foster interfaith understanding
and harmony. Occurs on the third Sunday of January.
World Braille Day recognizes the contributions of Louis
Braille, creator of the braille code, and brings awareness
about the challenges faced by individuals who are
visually impaired.
This day celebrates the life and achievements of Martin
Luther King Jr., for his role as a civil rights leader in the
fight for racial equality.
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, local orregional customs
For more information and resources related to these dates, please
refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource Library
available at www.kprschools.ca.
1
Spirit Moon –Mnidoo Giizis(Anishinaabe -First Nations)
Christmas Day
(Orthodox-Christian)Epiphany
Kwanzaa
New Year’s Day
Schools &
Board Closed
Birthday of Guru
Gobind Singh
January 2016January 2016
December 2015
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
February 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26
28 29
Groundhog Day
Secondary Exams Secondary Exams
International
Development Week
ends
Valentine's Day
Family Day (ON)
National Flag Day of
Canada (CAN)
Schools &
Board Closed Mahashivratri
World Day ofSocial Justice (UN)
International Mother
Language Day (UN)
Bear
Moon
February is ...
Significant Dates
Black History Month (Can)National Inclusive Education Month (Can)
Index of Holy DaysBear Moon – Mkwa Giizis (Anishinaabe - First Nations)Month of February
Losar (Buddhist) - February 8
Lunar New Year - February 8
Paranirvana/Nirvana Day (Buddhist)** - February 8
Shrove Tuesday (Christian) - February 9
Ash Wednesday (Christian) - February 10
Lent (Christian) – February 10
Mahashivratri (Hindu) - February 17
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, local orregional customs
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – Towards the end of this month,
many of the animals that hibernate begin to stir and come out of
hibernation. The bear is said to be the one that sleeps the
longest.
Tibetan New Year lasts for three days. People visit monasteries,
make offerings, and put purification at the forefront of their
appearance, feasts, and rituals to drive away evil spirits.
Lunar New Year is celebrated among Chinese, Vietnamese and
Korean populations, as well as among followers of Buddhism.
This festival marks the Buddha's death, enlightenment and
freedom from physical existence. The day is marked by special
readings, meditations about loss, impermanence, and the newly
deceased, visiting temples or monasteries, and exchanging
food, money, household items and clothes. It is celebrated by
some on February 15.
Marks a day of penitence, cleansing the soul and celebration
before the Lent fast begins.
Commemorates a day of penitence and cleansing as the Lenten
season begins, observing Christ’s forty-day fast in the
wilderness before his crucifixion.
Lent is the season of penance and prayer before Easter. It is a
time when Christians remember the 40 days and nights Jesus
spent alone in the desert without food.
Celebrates Shiva, one of the deities of the Hindu Trinity.
For more information and resources related to these dates,
please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource
Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
Valentine’s Day - February 14
Anti-Bullying Day (Can) - February 24
People pronounce or reaffirm their love for someone, often by
sending cards or giving gifts.
The last Wednesday of February is known as Anti-Bullying Day
in Canada. It's also known as "Pink Shirt Day." It originated as a
protest against a homophobic bullying incident at a Nova Scotia
high school (Central Kings Rural High School). On this day
participants are asked to wear pink to symbolize a stand against
bullying. Many also recognize the Day of Pink in April in a
similar way.
International
Development Week
begins
Losar
Lunar New Year
Paranirvana/
Nirvana Day** Shrove Tuesday
Ash Wednesday
Lent begins
Secondary Exams
Professional
Activity DaySecondary Exams
Black HistoryMonth
27
Bear Moon –Mkwa Giizis(Anishinaabe -First Nations)
February 2016February 2016
Anti-Bullying Day/
Pink Shirt Day (Can)
January 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
March 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
27 28 29 30 31
Daylight Savings
Time begins
Commonwealth Day
Lent (Orthodox-
Christian) begins
March Break
All Schools Closed
March Break
All Schools Closed
March Break
All Schools Closed
St. Patrick’s Day
March Break
All Schools Closed
March Break
All Schools Closed
Journee de la
Francophonie (Can)
Ostara
Palm Sunday
Spring Equinox
International Day for theElimination of RacialDiscrimination (UN)Naw-Rúz*
World Down Syndrome
Day (UN)
World Water
Day (UN)
Holi**
Snow Crust
Moon
Hola Mohalla
Purim*
International Day of
Remembrance of the
Victims of Slavery and
the Transatlantic Slave
Trade (UN)
Good Friday (Christian)
Schools &
Board Closed
Easter (Christian)
Week of Solidarity
with the Peoples
Struggling against
Racism & Racial
Discrimination ends
March is ...
Index of Holy Days
Hellenic Heritage Month (ON)
Snow Crust Moon – Naabdin Giizis (Anishinaabe - FirstNations) Month of March
Lent (Orthodox-Christian) – March 14
Ostara (Wiccan) - March 20
Palm Sunday (Christian) - March 20
Naw-Rúz (Bahá'í)* - March 21
Holi (Hindu)** - March 23
Hola Mohalla (Sikh Lunar) - March 24
Purim* (Jewish) - March 24
Good Friday/Holy Friday (Christian) - March 25
Easter (Christian) - March 27
Easter Monday (Christian) - March 28
International Women’s Day – March 8
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, local orregional customs
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – March is often a time of snow,
sleet and freezing rain forming a slippery crust of ice on top of
the snow. This month is known as the time when you can walk
on top of the snow.
See February Index.
Marks the point where day overcomes the night and is
celebrated as a time of rebirth, great fertility and the return of
vegetation.
Marks the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the start of the
Holy Week.
The Persian new year celebrates unity, joy and hospitality with a
feast of seven items beginning with the letter “s” (in Farsi). A
great deal of time is spent with a gift exchange and attending
social gatherings.
Honours creation and renewal as a spring festival associated
with Krishna.
Holla Mohalla is the first day of a three-day festival of mock
battles, together with religious discussions and devotional
music. This day reflects the Hindu festival of Holi.
Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish community,
described in the Biblical Book of Esther.
Good Friday/Holy Friday commemorates the crucifixion of
Jesus Christ.
The most important Christian festival, Easter celebrates the
resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Easter Monday is the day following Easter Sunday and is
celebrated as a holiday in some largely Christian cultures.
International Women’s Day is a worldwide celebration of
women, peace and human rights. Typically occurring during
International Women’s Week, this is a time for all people to
reflect on the impacts of violence against women and girls and
to commit to helping end it.
For more information and resources related to these dates,
please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource
Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
Significant Dates
Earth Hour (Global) - March 19 (8:30 - 9:30 pm)A global event asking households and businesses to conserve
energy by turning off non-essential lights and electrical
appliances for one hour. This hour raises awareness of the
need to take action on climate change.
Easter Monday
(Christian)
Schools &
Board Closed
National Aboriginal
Language Day (Can)
International
Women's Day (UN)
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Snow Crust Moon– Naabdin Giizis(Anishinaabe -First Nations)
March 2016March 2016
Earth Hour
February 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29
April 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Last day of
Passover
Ridv ná
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
International
Children’s Book Day
World Autism
Awareness Day
(UN)
World Health
Day (UN)
National Volunteer
Week begins Day of Pink (Can) Vaisakhi**
Professional
Activity Day
(Secondary Only)
Rama Navami
National Volunteer
Week ends
Equality Day (Can)Birthday of Guru
Tegh Bahadur Ridv n*á
Earth Day (Can)
Maple Sugar
Moon
Theravada
New Year**
Ridv ná
Canada Book Day
First day of
Passover*
Theravada
New Year**
Ridv ná
Passover
Ridv ná
April is ...
Significant Dates
Earth Month (Can)Sikh Heritage Month (ON)
Index of Holy Days
Maple Sugar Moon – Ziisbaakdoke Giizis (Anishinaabe -First Nations) Month of April
Vaisakhi (Sikh)** - April 14
Rama Navami (Hindu) - April 15
Birthday of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Sikh) - April 18
Ridván (Bahá'í)* - April 21 - May 2
Theravada New Year (Buddhist) - April 22 - 23
Passover (Jewish)* - April 23 - 30
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, local orregional customs
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – The month of April is an active
time for those who tap the Maple trees for their sap and turn it
into Maple syrup and sugar. It is known as the sugaring moon.
Vaisakhi honours the Sikh New Year and the year that Sikhism
became a collective faith with processions and hymns from the
Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book. It is also spelled
Baisakhi.
The Birth of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu and the hero
of the Ramayana.
Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621 - 1675) was the ninth of the Sikh
Gurus.
Ridván celebrates Bahá’u’lláh’s time in the garden of Ridván
and his announcement that he was the prophet promised by the
Báb. The most important Bahá’i festival.
The New Year takes place on the first full moon in April for
Theravada Buddhists. Themes of reflecting on one's karma, of
purifying oneself, and of hospitality are prevalent.
The start of the season of Passover commemorates the
liberation of the Children of Israel who were led out of Egypt by
Moses.
For more information and resources related to these dates,
please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource
Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
Day of Pink (Can) - April 13
Equality Day (Can) - April 17
Earth Day (Can) - April 22
A day to celebrate diversity and raise awareness to stop
homophobic, transphobic and all forms of bullying and
discrimination. See also “Anti-Bullying Day” in February.
On Equality Day Canadians everywhere can celebrate the
inclusion of Sections 15 and 28 in the Charter of Rights and
Freedoms, which forms part of the Canadian Constitution.
This is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation
for the Earth’s environment.
Passover
Ridv ná
Passover
Ridv ná
Passover
Ridv ná
National Day of
Mourning for
Persons Killed or
Injured at Work
(Can)
Passover
Ridv ná
Passover
Ridv ná
Refugee Rights
Day (Can)
11
Maple Sugar Moon –Ziisbaakdoke Giizis(Anishinaabe - FirstNations)
April 2016April 2016
March 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
May 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
Education Week
begins
Mental Health Week
(CAN) begins
Ridv ná
World Press
Freedom Day (UN)
Canada Health Day
International Day
of Families (UN)
Pentecost
(Christian)
International DayAgainstHomophobia andTransphobia
Hiawatha
Pow Wow
Sucker
Moon
World Day for Cultural
Diversity for Dialogue
and Development (UN)
Hiawatha
Pow Wow
International Day for
Biological Diversity
(UN)
Anniversary of the
Komagata Maru
Incident (CAN)
Declaration of
the Báb*
Victoria Day (Can)
Schools &
Board Closed
Aboriginal
Awareness Week
begins Africa Day
Aboriginal
Awareness
Week ends
Ascension of
Bahá'u'lláh*
International Day of
UN Peacekeepers
(UN)
National Access
Awareness Week
begins (ON)
May is...Asian Heritage Month (ON)Dutch Heritage Month (ON)Jewish Heritage Month (ON)
Index of Holy DaysSucker Moon – Nmebine Giizis (Anishinaabe - First Nations)Month of May
Ridván (Bahá'í)* - April 21 - May 2
Beltane (Wiccan) - May 1
Easter (Orthodox - Christian) - May 1
Visakha Puja/Buddha Day** (Buddhist) - May 4
Ascension Day (Christian/Orthodox) - May 5
Yom HaShoah/Holocaust Remembrance Day (Jewish)* - May 5
Pentecost (Christian) - May 15
Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh* (Bahá'í) - May 29
International Family Equality Day - May 1
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia -May 17
Anniversary of the Komagata Maru Incident (CAN) - May 23
Aboriginal Awareness Week - May 24 - 27
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, local or regionalcustoms
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – During the month of May the suckers
used to run; they were so plentiful in the lakes, streams and creeks
that they could be easily caught by hand.
See April Index.
An ancient gaelic celebration marking the beginning of summer and
the fertility of the coming year.
The most important Buddhist Festival, Vesak celebrates the Buddha’s
birth, enlightenment and death among Theravada Buddhists.
Christians believe Christ ascended into heaven. Celebrated 40 days
after Easter, Ascension marks the last earthly appearance of Christ
after His resurrection.
Yom Hashoah remembers the Holocaust and the six million Jewish
people who perished. Anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising.
Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the
disciples and the birth of the Christian Church.
Marks the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, second founder of Bahá’i.
Celebrated annually on the first Sunday in May, International Family
Equality Day is a day to recognize the many LGBTQ people raising
families today and to increase international visibility.
Also known as Anti-Homophobia Day, this day offers an opportunity for
people to get together and reach out to one another in an effort to end
homophobia and hatred.
In 1914, the Komagata Maru, a ship carrying 376 Sikh immigrants
from British India, was turned away when it tried to land in
Vancouver’s harbour. The passengers on board, like Canadians at the
time, were British subjects. Enforcing Canada's “Continuous Journey”
clause, which was put in place in part to limit immigration from non-
European countries, immigration boats surrounded the ship a half-mile
offshore. A dramatic standoff ensued which escalated over two months
before the ship and its passengers were forced to return to India.
Aboriginal Awareness Week was designed to increase awareness of
the Aboriginal peoples within Canada and the Public Service. It is a
week to honour the many indigenous cultures in Canada, including the
Métis, Inuit and First Nations.
For more information and resources related to these dates, please
refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource Library available
at www.kprschools.ca.
Hiawatha Pow Wow (First Nations) - May 21 - 22
Declaration of the Báb (Bahá'í)* - May 23
A Pow Wow is a spiritual and social gathering. First Nations peoples
come together to celebrate and honour traditions through drumming,
singing and dancing. Visit www.hiawathafirstnation.com for more
information.
Starting two hours after sunset on the 22nd, the event celebrates the
Báb's official declaration of his mission to prepare the world for God's
messenger, Bahá'u'lláh.
Significant Dates
Mental Health Week
(CAN) ends
Ascension Day
South Asian
Arrival Day (ON)
Yom HaShoah/
Holocaust
Remembrance Day*
Education Week
ends
Beltane
Easter (Orthodox -
Christian)
International Family
Equality Day
Ridv ná
Visakha
Puja/Buddha Day**
Sucker Moon –Nmebine Giizis(Anishinaabe -First Nations)
May 2016May 2016
5 6
April 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
June 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
CanadianEnvironment Week(Can) begins
World Environment
Day (UN)
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
St-Jean-Baptiste
Day (QC)
Secondary Exams
1 2 3
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
International Day of
Innocent Children
Victims of
Aggression (UN)
National Access
Awareness Week
ends
Portugal Day (Can)
Canadian
Environment Week
(Can) ends
Shavuot*
World Day Against
Child Labour (UN) Shavuot*
Martyrdom of Guru
Arjan Dev
Pride Week Toronto
begins
World Day to
Combat
Desertification and
Drought (UN)
Secondary Exams
Juneteenth
Blooming
Moon
Litha*
World Refugee
Day (UN)
Summer Solstice
National AboriginalDay (Can)
Public Service
Day (UN)
National Day of
Remembrance for
Victims of Terrorism
(CAN)
Secondary Exams
International Day in
Support of Victims of
Torture (UN)
Pride Week Toronto
ends
June is...
Italian Heritage Month (ON)
Seniors’ Month (ON)
Blooming Moon – Waabgonii Giizis (Anishinaabe -First Nations) Month of June
Ramadan (Muslim)** - June 6 - July 7
Shavuot (Jewish)* - June 12 - 13
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev (Sikh) - June 16
Litha (Wiccan)* - June 20
Juneteenth - June 19
National Aboriginal Day (Can) - June 21
St-Jean-Baptiste Day (QC) - June 24
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, localor regional customs
National Aboriginal History Month (Can)Portuguese History & Heritage Month (Can)Pride Month (Can)
Index of Holy Days
Significant Dates
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – This is the time of the
year that everything starts to bloom, the buds on the
trees, flowers and other plants bloom.
Ramadan is a period of self-purification and betterment.
For one month, Muslims fast daily, from dawn until
sunset. Gaining self-control and contributing to charity
are central features.
Marks the time when the first harvest was taken to the
Temple. Also known as the Festival of Weeks.
Guru Arjan was the fifth Sikh Guru and the first Sikh
martyr. He compiled all the past Gurus’ writings into one
book, now the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth
Sahib.
Litha, the summer solstice Sabbat, honours the longest
day of the year. It is the time of year when the crops are
bountiful and the earth is warm, and a focus is placed on
celebrating the power of the sun.
Juneteenth is the celebration commemorating the ending
of slavery in the U.S. on June 19, 1865.
Celebrates Inuit, Métis, and First Nations’ cultures and
heritage. Coincides with the summer solstice as a time
to reflect on future growth.
The patron saint of French Canada and the distinct
nature of French Canadian culture are celebrated with
lively parades and parties.
For more information and resources related to these
dates, please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Resource Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
Multiculturalism Day
(Can)
Secondary Exams Secondary Exams
Last Instructional
Day
Secondary Exams
Professional
Activity Day
Ramadan begins**
Clean Air Day (Can)
World Oceans’
Day (UN)
Professional
Activity Day
(Elementary Only)
Blooming Moon –Waabgonii Giizis(Anishinaabe -First Nations)
June 2016June 2016
4
July 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
May 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
2
4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Alderville Pow Wow
Martyrdom of
the B bá
Nelson Mandela
International Day
(UN)
Berry
Moon
Dharma Day
Commemoration of
the Great Upheaval
(Can)
International Day of
Friendship (UN)
Index of Holy Days
Significant Dates
Berry Moon – Miin Giizis (Anishinaabe - FirstNations) Month of July
Ramadan (Muslim)** - June 6 - July 7
Laylat al-Qadr (Muslim)** - July 1
Eid al-Fitr (Muslim)* - July 7
Alderville Pow Wow (First Nations) - July 9 - 10
Martyrdom of the Báb (Bahá'í ) - July 9
Canada Day (Can) - July 1
Nelson Mandela International Day (UN) - July 18
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, localor regional customs
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – This month signifies the
time when so many berries are ripe and ready for
picking. Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are
especially plentiful.
Ramadan is a period of self-purification and betterment.
For one month, Muslims fast daily, from dawn until
sunset. Gaining self-control and contributing to charity
are central features.
Also known as the Night of Power, it marks the night on
which the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet
Muhammad by Allah.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. The Festival of
Breaking the Fast is a time of great celebration.
A Pow Wow is a spiritual and social gathering. First
Nations peoples come together to celebrate and honour
traditions through drumming, singing and dancing. Visit
www.aldervillefirstnation.ca for more information.
This day honours the anniversary of the Báb’s execution
in 1850.
Marks the anniversary of the formation of the union of
the provinces in a federation. It is celebrated across the
country.
Held annually to recognize Mandela’s contribution to
peace and freedom, this day represents a global call to
action for people to recognize their ability to have a
positive effect on others around them, and to embrace
values such as: democracy, freedom, equality, diversity,
reconciliation and respect.
For more information and resources related to these
dates, please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Resource Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
Dharma Day (Buddhist) - July 19
Commemoration of the Great Upheaval(Can) - July 28
Dharma Day marks the beginning of the Buddha's
teaching and enlightenment. Dharma day is observed as
the start of the Buddhist religion. A day of gratitude
towards the Buddha and other enlightened teachers, the
festival is celebrated with reflection and readings from
Buddhist scriptures.
This day recognizes the historic facts surrounding the
deportation of the Acadians between 1755 and 1763.
1
Berry Moon – MiinGiizis (Anishinaabe- First Nations)
Alderville Pow Wow
World Population
Day (UN)
Eid al-Fitr*
Ramadan** ends
Canada Day
Laylat al-Qadr**
July 2016July 2016
3
August 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
June 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
Civic Day (ON) Hiroshima Day
International Youth
Day (UN)
Grain
Moon
World Humanitarian
Day (UN)
International Day for
the Remembrance of
the Slave Trade and
its Abolition (UN)
Index of Holy Days
Significant Dates
Grain Moon – Mnoomni Giizis (Anishinaabe - FirstNations) Month of August
Hiroshima Day - August 6
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, localor regional customs
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – It is at this time of the
year that the harvesting of grains is taking place.
Grains, hay and even vegetables were prepared and put
away for the winter months.
On August 6, 1944, the first atomic bomb was dropped
on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Today, people
recognize this event with special vigils and marches for
peace.
For more information and resources related to these
dates, please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Resource Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
For more information on local
Full Moon Ceremonies go to www.facebook.com/groups/
16994197269 or contact Trent University Department of
Indigenous Studies.
Krishna Jayanti/Janmashtami (Hindu)** - August 25This festival marks the birth of Krishna, the most venerated
God in Hinduism.
International Day of
the World’s
Indigenous People
(UN)
Grain Moon –Mnoomni Giizis(Anishinaabe -First Nations)
Krishna Jayanti/
Janmashtami**
August 2016August 2016
July 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
September 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30
Curve Lake
Pow Wow
Curve Lake
Pow Wow
Terry Fox Run
International Dayof Peace (UN)
Ganesh Chaturthi
Labour Day
Schools &
Board Closed
International
Literacy Day (UN)
Mabon/Harvestide
Autumn Equinox
Eid-al-Adha** Eid-al-Adha** Eid-al-Adha** Eid-al-Adha**
International Day of
Democracy (UN)
Leaves Turning
Colour Moon
First Day of School
Leaves TurningColour Moon –WaabbabagaaGiizis (Anishinaabe- First Nations)
September 2016September 2016
Index of Holy Days
Significant Dates
Leaves Turning Colour Moon – Waabbabagaa Giizis(Anishinaabe - First Nations) Month of September
Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu) - September 5
Eid-al-Adha (Muslim)** - September 11 - 14
Curve Lake Pow Wow (First Nations) -September 17 - 18
Mabon/Harvestide (Wiccan) - September 22
International Day of Peace (UN) - September 21
* Holy Days beginning at sundown the day before
**This date may vary based on moon sightings, localor regional customs
Anishinaabe Moon Calendar – At this time of the year
the leaves begin to change colour from green to yellow,
orange, red and brown. The literal translation of this
moon in Ojibway is "the fading of the leaves."
This is a celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesh, the
elephant-headed God known as the Remover of
Obstacles.
Celebrates the end of the Hajj or the holy pilgrimage to
Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam, observed by
Muslim communities.
A Pow Wow is a spiritual and social gathering. First
Nations peoples come together to celebrate and honour
traditions through drumming, singing and dancing. Visit
www.curvelakefirstnation.ca for information.
Mabon falls on the Autumn Equinox and marks the
middle of harvest. It is a time of equal day and equal
night when nature is in balance. During this time, thanks
are given to the earth for its bounty.
This day is dedicated to strengthening the ideals of
peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
For more information and resources related to these
dates, please refer to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Resource Library available at www.kprschools.ca.
August 2016
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
October 2016
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
Calendars are common to all cultures. Often based on astronomical events, calendars reflect the different ways that time is conceived and distributed into
discrete periods – seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, seasons and years.
Religious holidays are the primary events in most cultures. Their timing is usually determined by the movements of the sun or the moon. As a result,
different faith traditions rely on lunar, solar, luni-solar or scientifically-formulated calendars to establish holy days from year to year. Scientifically-formulated
calendars can be prepared years in advance. Lunar calendars, however, cannot. For this reason, faith cultures relying on the lunar calendar can determine
their religious dates only months in advance.
Lunar calendars are based on the moon’s movement as reflected in its visibility from the earth. Composed of twelve months of 29 or 30 days, the lunar year
has 354 days (355 during a leap year). Islamic, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist calendars traditionally have followed the lunar mode.
Solar calendars are based on the earth’s revolution around the sun. The duration of a tropical year changes annually. It marks the average time from one
fixed point, such as the vernal (spring) equinox, to its return. The Persian, Julian, Mayan and ancient Egyptian calendars are solar.
Luni-solar calendars incorporate both the lunar phases and the earth’s relationship to the sun. These calendars sequence months based on the moon’s
phases and add a full month every few years to keep step with the tropical year. The Jewish and Chinese calendars use this system.
As time passed, many cultures and the Christian church, in particular, sought a calendar method that would allow people to know well in advance when a
feast or holy day would fall. To remedy the variation that resulted annually and over time with the solar calendar, scientifically-manipulated calendars were
developed. Based on a mathematical formula that often involved the addition of days to the tropical year over time, such calendars provided long-range
planning and predictability of dates. The Gregorian calendar is an example of this method of managing time. It replaced the Julian calendar in the sixteenth
century and is recognized worldwide. In some instances, there have been efforts to dedicate holy days to specific dates on the Gregorian calendar, to
ensure greater consistency in observances. Though not a replacement for other calendars, it has become an international tool. The KPR Equity, Diversity
and Inclusion Calendar follows the Gregorian calendar and incorporates dates from the calendars of world cultures and religions.
Every effort has been made to integrate the various methods of tracking time with respect to the diverse faith traditions reflected in Canadian society. Some
dates, as you will see, are approximations based on projections from different calendars. Most dates noted for each faith group reflect the “commonly-held”
traditions of each community. Because belief systems vary, all holy days within all faith traditions have not been incorporated in this effort. In addition to
drawing information from reputable resources, when uncertain about particular holy dates, KPR also consulted with individual groups. Editorial decisions
were made with a view to achieving our objective of developing a learning resource that would help people within the KPR community to better understand
diversity in the world.
The online version of this calendar, along with additional resources, is located within the Equity, Diversity Resource Library at www.kprschools.caand InclusionFor further information, please contact KPR’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Program Officer at (705) 742-9773 or 1 (877) 741-4577 ext. 2157
Calendars: History & Origin