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​​Dates significant to human rights and diversity

Mark your calendar with dates significant to human rights and diversity. The United Nations (UN) designates international days to focus the world on the issues in which the UN has an interest and commitment. The following dates are recognized by the United Nations, the Government of Canada or the Alberta Government. Plan or attend events that recognize and celebrate these dates.

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Download and print Celebrate All Year Round. This attractive flyer includes a list of days significant to human rights and diversity.

JANUARY

January 27
International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

Honour Holocaust victims and learn how to prevent future acts of genocide.

FEBRUARY

Black History Month
Celebrate the contributions of the Black community to our country, province, and community.

First week in February
International Development Week

Discover how Canada and Canadians are impacting others around the world.

February 21
International Mother Language Day

Promote multilingual education and encourage linguistic diversity.

MARCH

March 8
International Women's Day

Celebrate the progress made in the rights of women.

March 21
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

End racism and foster inclusion, respect, and equality for all people.

March 21-28
Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination

Work together to eradicate racism.

APRIL

April 17
Equality Day

Celebrate the anniversary of Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that provides for equality.

APRIL/MAY

Date dependent on the Jewish calendar
Holocaust Memorial Day (Yom HaShoah)

Reflect on the enduring lessons of the Holocaust, raise awareness, and endeavour to end genocide, persecution, racism, and hatred.

MAY

Asian Heritage Month
Celebrate the contributions of the Asian community to our country, province, and community.

May 5
National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Also known as Red Dress Day, it is a day that honours the spirits of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people.

May 15
International Day of Families

Take time for your family.

May 17
International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia

Eliminate stigma and discrimination faced by gay, lesbian, and transgender populations.

May 21
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Implement policies that recognize the benefits of our diversity.

JUNE

June 20
World Refugee Day

Advocate for the rights of refugees.

June 21 - July 1
Celebrate Canada

Eleven days of celebrations, including:

National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21)
Saint-Jean Baptiste Day (June 24)
Multiculturalism Day (June 27)
Canada Day (July 1)

June 21
National Indigenous Peoples Day

Learn more about Indigenous cultures.

June 24
Saint-Jean Baptiste Day

Enjoy French-Canadian culture and celebrate their contributions to Canadian society.

June 27
Multiculturalism Day

Take pride in your ancestry and create opportunities for everyone to feel welcome.

JULY

July 1
Canada Day

Celebrate what is means to be Canadian.

July 18
Nelson Mandela International Day

Strive for a democratic and free society in which everyone lives together in harmony and with equal opportunities.

AUGUST

First Monday in August
Alberta Heritage Day

Recognize the cultural heritage of Alberta and celebrate your own.

August 9
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

Learn more about Canada's Indigenous Peoples.

August 12
International Youth Day

Acknowledge the youth in your life.

SEPTEMBER

September 8
International Literacy Day

Reflect on the right to an education and the role literacy plays in our lives.

September 21
International Day of Peace

Work for peaceful resolution of conflicts in your family, your community, and in our society.

September 30
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Also known as Orange Shirt Day, the day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.

OCTOBER

Women's History Month
Celebrate the contributions of women to Canadian society.

October 1
International Day of Older Persons

Honour the contributions older people make in your community.

October 10
World Mental Health Day

Take care of your mental health and wellbeing.

October 11
International Day of the Girl Child

Recognize girls' rights and the unique issues facing girls around the world.

October 17
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Support efforts to eliminate poverty.

October 18
Persons Day

Mark the anniversary of women being declared "persons" in law.

Third week in October
Citizenship Week

Show you are proud to be Canadian.

October 24
United Nations Day

Celebrate and educate about the work of the United Nations.

NOVEMBER

Family Violence Prevention Month
Prevent and end family violence.

November 5-11
Veterans' Week

Reflect on the many Canadian men and women who gave their lives to protect our democratic way of life.

Third week in November
National Bullying Awareness Week

Prevent bullying in our communities, schools, and workplaces.

November 16
International Day for Tolerance

Move beyond tolerance to acceptance and inclusion.

November 20
Universal Children's Day

Celebrate those rights that allow children to grow and prosper without harm.

Fourth Saturday in November
Ukrainian Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) Memorial Day

Remember the victims and educate to prevent future acts of genocide.

November 25
International Day to End Violence against Women

Work to end gender violence.

November 25 - December 10
16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence

Prevent violence in all its forms.

DECEMBER

December 2
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

Discuss circumstances for how slavery can continue and work to eliminate them.

December 3
International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Raise awareness of the needs and concerns of disabled people.

December 6
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women

Remember the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre when 14 women​ were murdered at École Polytechnique and speak out about violence against women.

December 10
International Human Rights Day

Celebrate our human rights and fundamental freedoms by hosting an event, undertaking an activity, or taking action.


Revised: November 14, 2022

Our vision is a vibrant and inclusive Alberta where the rich diversity of people is celebrated and respected, and where everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in society, free from discrimination.