We owe the Aboriginal peoples a debt that is four centuries old. It is their turn to become full
partners in developing an even greater Canada. And the reconciliation required may be less a
matter of legal texts than of attitudes of the heart. ~ Romeo LeBlanc
Some Dates of Significance for June 2015
** Please bear in mind that this is not meant to be an exhaustive list and there may be diverse
celebrations and religious dates that are not addressed.
* - indicates observances that begin at sundown on the day prior to the date listed.
*begins on the evening of…
Suggested use:
 Culturally Responsive curriculum
 Newsletter inserts, web page information piece
 Daily announcements
 Classroom community circle discussions
 Classroom and/or school posters
 Student research, assemblies, equity group information
June - Aboriginal History Month
Aboriginal History Month is an opportunity not only to recognize the historic contributions of First
Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples to the development of Canada, but also the strength of presentday Aboriginal communities and their promise for the future.
For more information: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ach/nahm-eng.asp
June – Italian Heritage Month
Italian Heritage Month is a time to remember their sacrifices, bond with each other and build
bridges with other communities that make up the people of Canada. It is also a time to celebrate
our accomplishments by showcasing our strengths and continuing contributions to the success of
this country. Canadians of Italian heritage are but one strand of the Canadian mosaic and together
with the others, weave the very fabric of who we are. ~ Michael A. Tibollo, President - The National
Congress of Italian-Canadians, Toronto.
For more information: http://www.italianheritagecanada.ca/
We owe the Aboriginal peoples a debt that is four centuries old. It is their turn to become full
partners in developing an even greater Canada. And the reconciliation required may be less a
matter of legal texts than of attitudes of the heart. ~ Romeo LeBlanc
June 12 – World Day Against Child Labour
The International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the first World Day Against Child Labour
in 2002; to shed light on the plight of hundreds of millions of girls and boys throughout the
world, who are engaged in work that deprives them of adequate education, health, leisure and
basic freedoms, violating their rights. Of these children, more than half are exposed to the
worst forms of child labour such as; working in hazardous environments, slavery, or other
forms of forced labour, illicit activities such as drug trafficking and prostitution, as well as
involvement in armed conflict. For more information: http://endchildlabor.org/,
http://www.ilo.org/ipec/Campaignandadvocacy/WDACL/lang--en/index.htm ,
http://thehungersite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/ths/article/World-Day-Against-ChildLabor041
June 18 – Ramadan Begins (Islam)
During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink,
and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus
attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and
drinking. Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic
guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family
and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our
feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means "to refrain" - and it means not
only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words. For more
information: http://islam.about.com/od/ramadan/f/ramadanintro.htm
June 21 – Father’s Day (Canada)
Father’s day, celebrated in Canada and the United States on the third Sunday in June, was
created to complement Mother’s day, and to recognize fatherhood and male parenting. The
first Father’s day in the United States was celebrated on July 5, 1908 in a church service in
West Virginia. The first June celebration of Father’s Day was in 1910 in Spokane, Washington.
There are many stories about what inspired the first Father’s Day, many related to the
commemoration of men and fathers who had died tragically or in war. Today, the holiday is
largely marked with gift-giving and family outings and activities. For more information:
http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/father-day
We owe the Aboriginal peoples a debt that is four centuries old. It is their turn to become full
partners in developing an even greater Canada. And the reconciliation required may be less a
matter of legal texts than of attitudes of the heart. ~ Romeo LeBlanc
June 21 - National Aboriginal Day (Canada)
First proclaimed by Governor General Romeo Léblanc in 1996, this day is recognized in Canada as a
day to highlight the unique heritage, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis
peoples in Canada. National Aboriginal Day begins the 11 day ACelebrate Canada!@ Program,
which also includes Saint Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and
Canada Day (July 1). For more information and to order free posters and products to help in the
promotion of National Aboriginal Day, please visit www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nad/.
For more information: http://www.pch.gc.ca/special/canada/index_e.cfm.
June 24 - La Fête Nationele {Fête de St. Jean-Baptiste (Québec)}
An official paid Holiday in Québec, this date was originally marked as a celebration of John the
Baptist, but has now become a secular Holiday celebrated by French-Canadians across Canada, and
by all Quebecor. In Québec, lavish parades, fireworks and festivities have become a routine part of
the celebration of this day. St. Jean Baptiste Day is a part of the ‘Celebrate Canada!’ Program,
which also includes National Aboriginal Day (June 21), Multiculturalism Day (June 27), and Canada
Day (July 1).
For more information: http://www.pch.gc.ca/special/canada/index_e.cfm
June 27 - Multiculturalism Day (Canada)
Proclaimed by the Canadian government in 2002, Multiculturalism Day is an opportunity to
celebrate Canada’s diversity and commitment to democracy and equality, and to appreciate the
contributions of the many cultures and cultural communities to Canadian society. Canada’s
Multiculturalism Day is a part of the ‘Celebrate Canada!’ Program.
For more information: http://www.pch.gc.ca/special/canada/index_e.cfm.
http://www.cwlc.ca/en/events/2013/03/canadian-multiculturalism-day-journ%C3%A9ecanadienne-du-multiculturalisme,
http://canadianimmigrant.ca/community/multiculturalism-day-celebrated-across-canada