Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2015-2016 Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2015-2016 ... Navaratri begins Al-Hijira World Food Day (UN) International Day for the Eradication

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

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 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


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



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.

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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*


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


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)


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


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

á á

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






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


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



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.




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


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)


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.




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


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



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.




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


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*


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



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.




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


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



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.




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


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


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*


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


**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.


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)


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


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


**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


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)


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



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.




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


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)


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



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 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.


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


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**


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



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.




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

Documents

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2015-2016 Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2015-2016 ... Navaratri begins** Al-Hijira** World Food Day (UN) International Day for the Eradication

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2015-2016 Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2015-2016 ... Navaratri begins Al-Hijira World Food Day (UN) International Day for the Eradication