June

Today, Saga Dawa Düchen is being celebrated across Tibetan Buddhist communities. In
the Lunar calendar, Saga Dawa happens during the fourth month, and Saga Dawa
Düchen occurs on the first full moon of the month. This year, the commemoration falls
on June 4th. This is recognized to be one of the most important celebrations amongst
other festivals and commemorations.
Saga Dawa Düchen is a commemoration of the birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana
(Reaching of Nirvana after death) of Buddha. This commemoration is also recognized
as Buddha Day, Buddha Purnima, or Vesak by different Buddhist communities and
traditions, with varying dates. During Saga Dawa, Tibetan Buddhists put more work into
being kind and generous, as this month is known to multiply merits. Accompany us to
learn more about this Buddhist tradition at:
https://tnp.org/about-saga-dawa/
Have a Blessed Saga Dawa Düchen!

This year marks 3 years since the Our London Family terrorist attack. June 6, 2021
will forever be etched in our hearts as the day three generations of a Muslim family were
taken from us. Yumnah Afzaal, Madiha Salman, Salman Afzaal, and Talat Afzaal,
innocent victims of anti-Muslim hate, left behind grieving loved ones and a heartbroken
community. The impact of this tragedy continues to echo, leaving a deep void that can
never be filled.
We stand united in solidarity with all Canadians to denounce hatred and discrimination.
We come together to remember and honour the lives forever altered by this act of
Islamophobic terror.
This June, we invite you to join us in honouring the memory of Our London Family
through meaningful action. Stand alongside your neighbours and communities,
organising events and initiatives that promote unity, understanding, and compassion.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can combat the darkness with the
light of love, acceptance, and respect. Let us remember Our London Family and work
tirelessly to ensure that no more lives are claimed by the savagery of hate.
https://london.ca/our-london-family
https://www.islamicreliefcanada.org/londonfamily/

Anxiety is an emotion most people have at some point in their lives. With ranging
severities, triggers, reactions, and frequencies, having anxiety is a completely valid
experience and a common diagnosis. According to the Canadian Psychological
Association, 1 in 12 people in Canada are diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder
(GAD.)

Remember, you can wear Blue and Orange on June 10 if you wish to present your
support on destigmatizing anxiety disorders! Learn more about how to ACT at:
https://www.anxietycanada.com/get-involved/action-anxiety-day/
Resource for the fact:
https://cpa.ca/psychology-works-fact-sheet-generalized-anxiety-disorder/

June 13 is International Albinism Awareness Day, and to learn more about Albinism,
let us look at the work of Thando Hopa: a South African activist, lawyer, and model with
Albinism.
Thando Hopa became the first woman with Albinism to ever appear in Vogue Magazine
and the Pirelli Calendar. Hopa continued to spread the positive message of acceptance
and diversity to lessen the negative stereotypes assigned to people with albinism.
Currently, she is off social media after having her first daughter, but she continues to be
recognized for advocating for beauty within blackness, albinism, and diversity in social
media and other kinds of media.
Remember: Albinism is not a disease or an illness. It is the genetic condition in which
the body is born with small amounts of melanin, which is what determines the colour of
skin, eyes, hair, and other parts of our body's colouration. This condition can complicate
the person's health due to a sensitivity to the sun and brightness, which affects the skin
and eyes of many people with albinism.
Let's learn more about albinism as a condition, and what we can do to understand our
peers with albinism!
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21747-albinism
https://www.un.org/en/observances/albinism-day

On June 19, Black communities celebrate the emancipation of Black enslaved people
in the US. Along with that, Juneteenth brings up the important conversation around
enslavement and its repercussions across time. This date is one of unity, advocacy, and
celebration.
Juneteenth knows no borders. Although Juneteenth comes from the United States
emancipation, the date is culturally significant across the world in many Black
communities, especially in North America. Black-Canadian communities continue to
echo and reverberate Juneteenth to address the issues surrounding Black
discrimination in Canada, as slavery in North America affected every part of living while
being Black in every continent.
Join King's in hearing Black voices and educating ourselves on the important history of
Juneteenth. If you would like to share your thoughts, firsthand experiences, or
information about this important celebration, please go to (insert Microsoft form here).
Happy Juneteenth!
https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth
The Unofficial Celebration of Juneteenth In Canada
7 Ways Non-Black People Can Take Anti-Racist Action in Their Life

On June 21, for National Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada. For generations, many Indigenous groups and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on June 21 or around that time of year because of the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year. Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day by participating in some community events in London.

June 23 is National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism. Let's take today as
a chance to see, hear, and learn about victims of terrorism. Canada set this date because of the Air India Flight terrorist attack in 2005. In this flight, 329 people passed away, and 280 of those were Canadian. 
Learn more about the victims.

On June 27 we celebrate the many cultures that make Canada the unique country it is. It is a day
where we learn about each other's traditions, customs, religions, foods, dances, folklore, and history. We encourage you to try something different on this day. Go to a local restaurant and try something that you've never had before. 

Eid-ul-Adha Mubarak! As we come together on this joyous day, let us reflect on the values of compassion, generosity, and unity that Eid-ul-Adha represents. It is a time to extend our hands to the less fortunate, share blessings with others, and foster a sense of belonging within our university community. 

Eid al-Adha - which means 'feast of the sacrifice' - is celebrated just over two months after Eid al-Fitr, at the same time when many Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

It coincides with the end of Hajj - the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, and is generally considered the holier of the two festivals.

Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime activity that is a duty for those who can afford it, and who haven't already performed it. Eid-al-Adha is an annual activity celebrated by all. Eid-al-Adha begins at sunset on June 16.

May this Eid bring forth an abundance of blessings, peace, and prosperity for all our students, faculty, and staff here at King’s. Let us cherish this moment as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds that unite us, transcend cultural boundaries, and create a relationship of understanding and harmony. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous Eid-ul-Adha filled with love, happiness, and spiritual enlightenment.

On Men’s Mental Health Awareness Day, we recognize the struggles faced by many men. It's crucial to remember that mental health issues can manifest differently in men, often showing up as physical symptoms. On Men's Mental Health Day, let's challenge the silence and stigma surrounding men's mental well-being. Lack of communication can worsen underlying conditions and intensify the impact of mental health disorders. The current climate for men's mental health demands change. Stigmas persist, portraying seeking help as weakness. It's time to break these beliefs and support men in
addressing their mental health concerns.

An estimated 466,000 Canadians over the age of 15 are living with some degree of dual sensory loss, and in many parts of the country, they don’t have access to Deafblind services. Deaf and Blind Awareness Month in Canada is a time dedicated to shining a spotlight on the experiences, abilities, and rights of individuals with deafness and blindness. Throughout this month, we come together as a nation to foster greater understanding, promote inclusivity, and break down barriers that hinder full participation in society. It's a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and unique perspectives of the deaf and blind community. Let's educate and advocate for a world and campus where everyone, regardless of their sensory abilities, can thrive and contribute fully to our diverse society.

Join us as we proudly celebrate Filipino Heritage Month in Canada throughout June. It is a time to honour and appreciate the invaluable contributions of Canadians with Filipino heritage, who enrich our nation in countless ways. From business to  politics, health to the arts, the nearly one million-strong Filipino population continues to shape our communities and inspire us all.

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a special time to delve into the rich tapestry of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures. It is an occasion to honour the stories, triumphs, and unwavering resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have nurtured this land since time immemorial, shaping the evolving fabric of Canada. Originally known as National Aboriginal History Month, it was rightfully renamed National Indigenous History Month in 2017, amplifying the significance of Indigenous voices and histories.

Join us as we embark on a month-long journey to celebrate Italian Heritage Month in Canada, a time dedicated to honouring and commemorating the remarkable contributions of the Italian-Canadian community, here at King’s. With over 1.5 million
individuals of Italian descent, Canada stands as a proud home to one of the largest Italian communities worldwide, shaping our nation's fabric in countless ways. From business and sports to cuisine, politics, and beyond, the Italian-Canadian
community has infused every facet of our society with their unique talents and passion. Italian Heritage Month allows us to acknowledge and appreciate their invaluable contributions, recognizing the profound impact they have had on building a stronger, more vibrant, and inclusive Canada. This month, let's honour our shared heritage and the profound impact of Italian immigrants in shaping the multicultural tapestry of Canada!

Embark on a journey of discovery and celebration as we honour Portuguese Heritage Month in Canada! Throughout the month of June, communities across the country unite to recognize and pay tribute to the remarkable contributions of Portuguese Canadians, their vibrant traditions, and their rich cultural heritage. With over half a million Luso-Canadians, Canada proudly stands as one of the largest homes to the Portuguese communities, worldwide. Coming from various regions of Portugal, this diverse community has diligently preserved their unique traditions, language, and cultural practices, enriching the fabric of our nation. By recognizing their achievements, we strengthen our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and mutual understanding. Join us in commemorating Portuguese Heritage Month and celebrate the vibrant diversity of Portuguese culture that we are privileged to share in Canada. Together, let us forge a brighter future, embracing the richness of our collective heritage.