October

According to the Assembly of First Nations, 16% of murder victims are Indigenous women. To this day, Indigenous women, girls, and two-soul peoples are targeted victims of numerous crimes. On National Day of Action for MMIWG2S lets us focus on advocacy and amplifying Indigenous people’s voices. The issue of incredibly high rates of crimes and disappearances of Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Soul people is far too ignored in Canada, and taking this day to learn more and listen to our Indigenous peers is not only important but vital to stopping more Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Soul people from going missing. Along with that, learning about the grief, pain and frustration that is caused to Indigenous communities makes us face the fact of the matter: Indigenous peoples are still being treated inhumanely to this day.
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls – Our Mandate, Our Vision.
Assembly of First Nations – Murdered Missing Indigenous Women and Girls

According to the Government of Canada, one in three Canadians will go through mental illness in their lifetime. World Mental Health Day is a chance to address and talk about mental issues, mental health, myths, individual experiences and more. Today, we get to share beneficial mental health resources. The EDID office would like to remind everyone of the resources provided by King’s, Western’s main campus, and other affiliated colleges, along with resources provided by government approved organizations. Let’s normalize talking openly about mental health. Let us take the time to hear from peers who struggle with their mental health, to share firsthand experiences and to reach out to those who can help.
Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario /

October 11 is a day to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and celebrate queer identity. It occurs on the same day that the second biggest Lesbian and Gay rights march happened in 1987, USA! National Coming Out Day was declared a national observance to bring attention and awareness to the rights of this marginalized group. This day does not exist to force people to come out; it is about being proud of one's identity and feeling less afraid to be out. This day is a chance for those who feel comfortable to come out and normalize coming out, making it less dangerous for future generations.
Eagle Canada – Come Out Canada!

Sharad Navaratri is a 9-day long Hindu festival celebrated annually, usually during the Western Autumn season, and during the first day of Ashvin. This festival celebrates the Divine Feminine, and depending on the region, the specifics are different. This is a celebration of the good winning over the evil. Specifically, for some, Durga, the creation of the Trinity of Gods; a divine feminine to defeat Mahishasura, the Buffalo Demon who endangered Heaven, Earth and Hell and could only be defeated by a woman. During the nine days, a different reincarnation of Durga is celebrated. On the tenth day, Dussehra is commemorated; The win of the good over the evil. For others, Lord Rama defeats Ravana in 7 days of battle. When Lord Rama uses his Brahma arrow to defeat Ravana it is celebrated on Dussehra. During the festival, there are a lot of separate ways of celebrating the victory of the good over evil. Dancing (Such as Garba and Dandiya), fasting, and praying. This time is very colourful, full of energy and joy. However, some consider the biggest part of the celebration to be Dusshera, the tenth day. Until then, we wish Hindu peers a great Sharad Navaratri!
Bacon Is Magic Canada – Navaratri Festival Traditions.

During Invisible Disabilities Week, advocacy for the right to comfort and equity of disabled people is amplified and shared more widely. An Invisible Disability is a kind of disability that does not necessarily present visually. Diabetes, Arthritis, Epilepsy for example are invisible disabilities. Having these kinds of conditions can make day-to-day life harder. With the lack of a visual aspect, people with invisible disabilities have a harder time being believed. It can cause embarrassment, shame and unwanted vulnerability. Invisible Disabilities in Canada are common. This week is a time to raise awareness and learn more about how people with these disabilities feel in their surroundings, how they navigate everyday life, and what it is like to interact in spaces where their disabilities are not considered or seen. Please accompany us during this week while we share resources available for our peers with Invisible Disabilities here on campus.

In 1929, Women in Canada were declared persons. Being declared a person meant that women could participate in political matters, such as voting, being appointed for Senate, and not being denied their human rights. This day was a huge victory for many women and has had a lasting impact. Though, there is an important level of intersectionality to address. Despite the victory of this event, BIPOC women were not part of the victory. Black women, Indigenous women, Asian women and other women of colour were not given the same level of respect and treatment that white women did during these times, and this victory meant little to them, as they were racialized first, and women second. To this day, the repercussions of racism and white-only activism still ring in our society, which is why it is vital to amplify BIPOC women’s activism for their rightful and equal place in society. Today, let us learn about the voices of some BIPOC women’s human rights activists:
Dr. Dorothy Height
Nannie Helen Burroughs
Malala Yousafzai
Madonna Thunder Hawk: Native American activist Madonna Thunder Hawk: 'It's the young people's time now'
Alicia Garza

Dussehra is the tenth day of Hindu celebration in the Sharad Navaratri festival. It is the day that the Durga Devi defeats the Mahishasura, or Lord Rama defeats Ravana after a long battle. During this day, there are many ways of celebrating the victory of good over evil. Depending on the region, the date of this celebration may vary, as well as the preferred celebrations. In the Northern parts of India, there are theatrical performances on the life of Lord Rama, along with the burning of figures of Ravana and his brothers or son. In the East, clay figures of Goddess Durga, placed at the start of Navaratri, are taken to bodies of water to say goodbye to her after spending Navaratri amongst the people. In the South of India, people worship, clean and help maintain the tools they use for livelihood, and children are accepted into schools for the first time. Lastly, the Western side of India celebrates with music and dancing, Dandiya Raas being an Iconic one. We wish our Hindu peers a very happy and lively Dussehra! Check out the Hindu Students Association at Western’s Instagram.

Intersex Awareness Day is a great time to learn about our intersex peers, understand their experiences and become aware of the hardships intersex people have in our society. Being intersex should be no source of shame, as it is a normal biological occurrence. Sadly, in some places, it is encouraged to enforce invasive surgery on people who display intersex traits to correct the condition. These kinds of surgeries can result in many health complications, and severe trauma, reducing intersex people’s quality of life either way. Today, let’s learn more about how common being Intersex really is, what we can do to help stop the stigma around it, and support our peers who are intersex: Eagle Canada – Fix Hearts, Not Parts.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, is a neurological disorder that is also considered a Disability in Canada. Commonly diagnosed during childhood, ADHD is a very common disorder that affects, according to the Canadian Centre for ADHD Awareness, 1.8 million diagnosed Canadians. ADHD affects many parts of the brain, and it is characterized by traits such as struggling to pay attention, a lack of impulse control and a lack of motivation to complete tasks. Having ADHD does not make a person lazy, but it makes completing tasks a little difficult. With a bit of help and accommodations, a person with ADHD can excel in their environment, whether that be at school, work or at home. To all folks with ADHD, you’re doing great!

Disability Employment Awareness month is a time to acknowledge, learn about and understand the needs of workers who live with a disability. Depending on each person and their disability, working may require a few accommodations. A person with a wheelchair may need a bigger office cubicle, and a person with autism may require a quiet workspace. Or, most likely, the person may need to work from home. These accommodations are sometimes seen as inconvenient for companies and workspaces, despite their inevitable benefit to non-disabled workers. Thus, many disabled people are not hired despite their ability to work. Thanks to stigma, disabled people are put at a disadvantage when it’s time to find a job. This month allows for disabled workers to deconstruct the idea that disabled people are unable to work. So, let’s hear how to better the workplace for disabled folks according to the Government of Ontario.

This month, German Heritage is celebrated in Canada. Thanks to their contributions to Canadian culture, politics, education, arts and history, German-Canadians are recognized this month for their efforts and unity with our society. In 2016 more than 3,300 thousand German-Canadians were recorded. This is a heritage that goes all the way back to World War I and II when many people from varying countries emigrated and immigrated to different parts of the world. Many people from Europe turned to Canada, including Germans. Their presence is still strong to this day, as is their work. Danke für Ihre Bemühungen!

Global Diversity Month serves as a reminder that diversity is not just a buzzword, but a fundamental aspect of our shared human experience. It encourages dialogue, promotes self-reflection, and invites us to challenge our own biases and preconceptions. By acknowledging and appreciating the richness of diversity, we can forge stronger connections and build a more harmonious and equitable global society. During this month-long celebration, various events, workshops, and initiatives are organized to highlight and celebrate the unique contributions of individuals from different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, religions, and abilities. It is a time to learn, grow, and celebrate our shared humanity.

This month is Hispanic Heritage Month. Being Hispanic means to be Spanish-speaking, and it stretches beyond Latin America. It is the heritage of countries with predominant Spanish-Speaking countries and communities. Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Spain and more all have Hispanic Heritage, for example. The Spanish Language is well-known throughout the world, and in Canada, around 20% of the population speaks Spanish, according to Statistics Canada. In Montreal, however, Spanish is more predominant. Join us in appreciating the efforts of our Hispanic peers and the important part they play in Canada’s cultural mosaic this month. To our Hispanic peers: Gracias por todos sus esfuerzos y trabajo duro!

This month offers an opportunity to learn, appreciate, and amplify the voices that have played a significant role in shaping our shared heritage. Whether it's through dance, music, food, literature, or art, let us come together to celebrate and vibrant tapestry of Latin culture. Let's ignite conversations, foster understanding, and recognize the invaluable contributions that continue to enrich our global community. Whether you are Latin or not, you can participate in this celebration by attending cultural events, supporting Latin-owned businesses, engaging in conversations about Latin history and current issues, and educating yourself about the diverse cultures that make up the Latinx community. Gracias a todos los Latinos por la parte tan importante que forman aquí en Canadá. Feliz mes de la herencia Latina!

 

This annual observance pays tribute to the influential women who have shattered barriers, championed equality, and shaped the world as we know it today. From groundbreaking scientists and fierce activists to creative pioneers and visionary leaders, their stories are both inspirational and transformative. Join us in honouring these women, as we acknowledge their remarkable contributions and continue to strive towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Learn more about Women's History with the Government of Canada.