March 31st is National Indigenous Languages Day; a day to recognize and honour over 70 distinct Indigenous languages spoken across Canada and to support Indigenous Peoples in their efforts to reclaim, revitalize, and maintain their languages. Indigenous languages are deeply rooted in Indigenous Peoples’ worldview and are an important step for culture, identity and knowledge that are expressed and passed on to future generations. The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) created thi

March 21st marks International Day for the Elimination of Racism and Racial Discrimination, a day recognized worldwide to raise awareness against racism and discrimination while promoting equality. International Day for the Elimination of Racism and Racial Discrimination was established by the United Nations to commemorate the victims of the Sharpeville massacre of South Africa in 1960, where the police opened fire on a group peacefully protesting against apartheid Pass Laws,

March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a global day recognizing the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women. Rooted in early 20th-century labour movements with women-coordinated labour strikes demanding fair wages and working conditions, the first International Women’s Day was observed in 1911. Since then, it has grown into a global movement for gender equality marked in many countries, including Canada.  The 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” emphasizes how

Every February, the colour pink makes a special appearance in schools across Canada, not as a fashion choice but as a collective stance against bullying. The legacy of Pink Shirt Day was set in motion in 2007 when two Nova Scotia students witnessed the targeting of a fellow student who was relentlessly bullied for simply wearing a pink shirt. They recognized that their choices and actions held power; they could either remain complicit or take a stand. Their decision to act sp

February is Indigenous Storytelling Month in Saskatchewan—a month to celebrate and learn alongside Indigenous Storytellers. Indigenous Storytelling Month was established in 2004 by the Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP) committee, with the goals of supporting oral storytelling, celebrating Indigenous history, language, and culture, and creating a living oral storytelling collection.    Indigenous peoples have traditionally passed knowledge across gen

February is Black History Month. Black History Month in Canada was first established in Toronto in 1978 by the Ontario Black History Society. In 1993, Black History Month was formally recognized by the province of Ontario. In 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month, due to a push from the Ontario Black History Society and the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman to be elected to Parliament. This year’s theme for Bl

On 3 December, we join the global community in marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. For 2025, the World Health Organization draws attention to the disproportionate financial inequities faced by people with disabilities in accessing healthcare, urging action to remediate the systemic failures that exclude their perspectives and needs. Canada’s failing grade on the 2024 Disability Poverty Report Card reflects the ongoing reality that the Canadian Disabil

November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, calling attention to gender-based violence (GBV), one of the most persistent human rights violations worldwide and a serious, ongoing issue in Canada.   GBV is harm directed at a person based on their actual or perceived gender, gender identity, or gender expression, violence rooted in gender inequality, and systemic oppression. Although GBV can affect anyone, women and girls are disproport

On National Child Day, we stand with children, recognizing their rights and lived experiences. November 20th marks the most widely ratified human rights treaty presented by the United Nations Convention. It is comprised of 54 articles that stand as actionable commitments to children’s rights. This day celebrates systemic protection and recognizes the ongoing work to advance children’s well-being, equity, and empowerment. The focus for 2025 is Article 30, a provision ensuring

National Addictions Awareness Week brings attention to substance use health in Canada and invites a broadening of understanding with the goals of reducing stigma, prioritizing agency, and ensuring evidence-based healthcare remains accessible now and in the future. Like all forms of health care, substance use health is a spectrum that reflects diverse experiences and levels of risk, including non-use. This model affirms that everyone falls somewhere on the spectrum. Anyone, at

On Remembrance Day at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, we pause in memory of those who have served and continue to serve in defense of freedom and in pursuit of peace. Every uniform represents a network of parents, partners, children, and communities who form the backbone of Canada’s service community. From the families who have supported service members across generations, to the families of today navigating deployments abroad, they carry a lega

November 8th marks a national day of recognition honoring First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans who answered the call to serve. Remembrance is not selective; it is a commitment to truth. Remembrance is not passive; it is a pledge to act. Over 12,000 Indigenous veterans served, yet their contributions remain underrepresented in Canada’s story. Indigenous veterans exemplified excellence as leaders, marksmen, scouts, snipers, and code talkers, reflecting military distinction

Globally, girls encounter systemic barriers to equity, safety, education, and well-being. Confronting these challenges head-on, they demonstrate resilience, ingenuity, and leadership, shaping stronger communities. On October 11, we stand with them in solidarity to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, a day designated by the United Nations to honor the influence and contributions of girls worldwide. This day reminds us that progress depends on collaboration with girls

World Mental Health Day 2025 is a reminder that “mental health is not a luxury—it is a lifeline”. Now in its 33rd year, this global campaign calls attention to the urgent need for accessible mental health services and psychosocial support for those affected by humanitarian emergencies and catastrophes. Children and youth experience the greatest vulnerability in the face of disaster, experiencing developmental disruptions encompassing psychological, emotional, cognitive, and s

September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day.   For over 100 years, the Residential School System in Canada operated by systematically taking Indigenous children from their families. The goal of these schools was to remove Indigenous children from their families, traditions, and cultures. The speaking of Indigenous languages and the practice of Indigenous traditions were strictly forbidden, resulting in ongoing harm for many gene

September 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day. Since 2003, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization have engaged national organisations, governments, and the public with a unified message: ‘Suicide can be prevented.’   Each day in Canada, 12 people lose their lives to suicide. In the past year, 2.6% of all Canadians have considered taking their own life. Among young people (aged 14-35), suicide is the second leading cause

September 8 marks International Literacy Day. This day serves to remind practitioners, decision-makers, and young people alike of the importance of literacy as a human right. International Literacy Day not only promotes reading and writing, but also peace, justice, and equity.   UNESCO, which has been celebrating International Literacy Day since 1967, notes how literacy allows us to enjoy and share the world around us,   “Literacy is a foundation for people to acquire broader

August 12 is International Youth Day.  International Youth Day brings attention to youth issues, while also celebrating the contributions and potential of young people on the global stage.   International Youth Day was established by the United Nations in 1999 as a way to promote the World Programme of Action for Youth. 2025 marks 30 years of the World Programme of Action for Youth, which calls for youth to be recognized as “key actors in sustainable development and participa

August 9th marks International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Across 90 countries around the world, there are approximately 476 million Indigenous people. In Canada, and elsewhere, there exists a significant variety of Indigenous practices, languages, and cultures.     Different groups of Indigenous Peoples around the world often face similar barriers and challenges, fighting for recognition of their lands, traditions, identities, and languages. Indigenous Peoples aro

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to celebrate the rich cultures and traditions of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. Indigenous culture is often acknowledged and celebrated on particular days, which is important, but we at the CTRC hope to see a day in which Mi’kmaw Elder Albert Marshall’s guiding principle of two-eyed seeing is practised and celebrated daily as a commitment to ongoing reconciliation. Indigenous youth face disproportionate negative out