Every year on March 8th, people from around the globe unite in solidarity for International Women’s Day (IWD). Created in 1911, this annual day of advocacy and action is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all women, to increase awareness of the barriers and discrimination women continue to face, and to promote gender equity for all people who identify as women.

Since 2007, Pink Shirt Day or Anti-Bullying Day has been officially recognized and commemorated on the last Wednesday of February each year in Canada in order to raise awareness, stand up and take action against bullying.

February 1st is the 13th annual World Hijab Day, a global event inviting “people of all backgrounds to stand in solidarity with Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab and to challenge the prejudice and misconceptions they often face because of this choice” (World Hijab Day Organization, 2025). Founded in 2013, this annual event was created by Bangladeshi-American Nazman Khan who had the idea to promote better cultural understanding by inviting women from all backgrounds to wear hijabs on that day. This movement has grown to include the participation of over 150 countries around the world, who engage by holding their own education, advocacy, and community building events to amplify the voices and highlight the stories of these women.

In comparison to other commemorative days proposed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, the acknowledgement of International Universal Health Coverage Day is relatively newer but equally as important. On December 12, 2012, the UN General Assembly proposed that every member state of the UN work towards the goal of implementing the concept of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) into their respective national health policies. Five years later in 2017, the UN declared the 12th of December as the International Universal Health Coverage Day

Since its inception in 1992 from the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been commemorated every year when December 3rd comes along. The purpose of this day is to promote the rights and well-being of people living with disabilities in all areas of life (ie. social, political, economic, cultural, etc.) within society and to raise awareness into the lives they live, including both their struggles and the achievements, and to strive towards creating a world that is more accepting and inclusive where they can live freely. The hope is that with increased accessibility and accommodations to meet the needs of people living with disabilities worldwide, that they can participate fully, equally and just as effectively in society in comparison to people who do not face these barriers throughout their lives.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed 1995 as the “Year for Tolerance”, as a way to address global tensions worldwide regarding rising political issues surrounding cultural, religious and social differences in society. The following year in 1996, it was decided by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly that moving forward, the International Day of Tolerance would be commemorated and celebrated annually on November 16th.

On the eleventh day... of the eleventh month... at the eleventh hour, we take a moment to acknowledge and remember the brave individuals that have served and sacrificed for our freedom. Their courage and commitment to serve is inspirational and heroic.

November 8^th is National Indigenous Veterans Day, an annual celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis veterans that happens across what is colonially known as Canada. May we recognize the resilience and sacrifices made by Indigenous people and communities as they faced, and continue to face, ongoing systemic challenges and exclusion from Canadian society.

We can honour this day by raising awareness about the ongoing fight against poverty and the constant need for action from everyone to address this injustice.

Every year on this commemorative day, there is a new focus or theme, and for this year in 2024, Alberta celebrates World Mental Health Day with the theme of ‘Mental Health at Work’.

This year’s World Teachers’ Day highlights the importance of addressing systemic challenges faced by educators and fostering an inclusive dialogue about their role in shaping education.

October is Women’s History Month, an annual celebration of women and girls happening across Canada since 1992. The 2024 theme is Women at Work: Economic Growth Past, Present and Future.

October 1st is National Seniors Day in Canada, which also coincides with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP). Join us in celebrating the older adults in our lives and communities.

As recognized by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (TRC), the week of September 25-30, 2024, is Truth and Reconciliation Week.  

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is dedicated to honouring the Indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities through the residential school system, as well as recognizing the tragic experiences of their families and communities.