Throughout the year, there are a number of significant dates that provide opportunities to learn more about the cultures and heritage of many families, students, and staff members within the OCDSB community. This page provides links to information and resources for families. Additional resources are shared with staff to support classroom learning related to these topics.
September
Franco-Ontarian Day, celebrated each year on September 25th, is an opportunity to celebrate the heritage, culture, language, and many contributions of Franco-Ontarians.
The Franco-Ontarian flag was designed at the University of Sudbury by history professor Gaétan Gervais and political science student Michel Dupuis. It flew for the first time over the campus on September 25, 1975, and would be officially recognized in 2001.
Learn more about Franco-Ontarian history and Franco-Ontarian Day.
October
October is Latin American Heritage Month in Canada, and Hispanic Heritage Month in the province of Ontario. This month provides an opportunity for our staff, students and community members to join us in recognizing and celebrating the heritage, culture, achievements, and contributions of Latin American and Hispanic communities across Canada.
Did you know that nearly half a million first, second, and third generation Hispanic Canadians are currently living in Ontario?
October is a significant month for the Hispanic community. Celebrations are held around the world, including:
- Hispanic Day (Dia de la Hispanidad)
- Day of the Cultures (Dia de las Culturas)
- Day of the Race (Dia de la Raza)
- Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity (Dia del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural)
- Day of Indigenous Resistance (Dia de la Resistencia Indigena)
To learn more, read the Latin American Heritage Month act and Hispanic Heritage Month act.
October is Islamic Heritage Month in Canada. This is a time to celebrate, inform and engage with Islamic history and culture and learn about the many contributions that Muslim people have made to Canada and beyond.
Muslims are ethnically diverse and represent many interpretations of Islam and practice their faith throughout the world. The OCDSB works to be aware of this diversity when teaching and speaking about Muslim identities, stories and realities. We will be reflecting, celebrating and learning about Islamic history and culture through:
- Providing classroom resources and activities that explore Islamic excellence across all areas of life
- Encouraging engagement with Muslim community partners for learning opportunities such as guest speakers
- Supporting schools in developing awareness and understanding of the contributions of Muslim Canadians through announcements, displays and activities
- Ensuring that Muslim students and staff have easy and safe access to spaces for performing the Salah and engaging in reflection during the school and work day
- Supporting engagement through Muslim Student Associations in schools and an Employee Resource Group for Muslim staff
- Developing staff awareness of cultural practices, traditions and observances and accommodation practices
- Promoting positive reflection and representation of Muslim identities and standing up to Islamophobia
As part of our District's commitment to human rights, equity and inclusion, we work to identify and address barriers so that everyone may feel valued while participating and excelling in the OCDSB community. In addition to the protection and promotion of learning and working conditions that value and represent Muslim identities and perspectives, it is our moral and legal obligation to address incidents of Islamophobia, racism and hate when they arise. Our response includes concrete actions through education and raising awareness so that we may foster and maintain safe, welcoming and inclusive learning and working environments.
If you see or experience Islamophobia or any other kind of hate or discrimination we encourage you to report it to a trusted staff member, your principal or vice principal, or to the Office of the Human Rights and Equity Advisor. The OCDSB is committed to protecting and upholding the human rights of all students, staff and families.
As we enter Islamic Heritage Month, the OCDSB reaffirms its commitment to cultivating an environment where all students, families and staff feel safe and protected expressing who they are; where critical thought and learning is encouraged and differences are respected; and where accountability is assured for acts of Islamophobia, anti-Muslim hate, and all forms of hatred, racism and discrimination.
Learn more:
- Read the Islamic Heritage Month Act
- Watch this video with CBC TV host Ginella Massa on breaking barriers
- Watch Raya Siddiqi’s TEDx talk titled “Celebrating Diversity”
November
November is Albanian Heritage Month in Ontario, providing an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions that Albanian Canadians have made in Ontario’s communities and to educate future generations about Albanian Canadians.
Resources:
February
Each February, Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black history is Canadian history. It’s a time to celebrate Black culture and history and applaud the achievements and significant contributions Black Canadians have made to build Canada and to make this country the diverse, welcoming and strong nation it is today. Every February, Canadians are invited to participate in learning opportunities, festivities, and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present.
Learn more about Black History Month at the OCDSB.
In addition, many OCDSB schools host assemblies and events to share their learning and talents for Black History Month.
Additional Resources:
March
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is a period of prayer, fasting, charity-giving and self-accountability for Muslims all over the world. Ramadan ends when the first crescent of the new moon is sighted again, marking the new lunar month start. Eid-al-Fitr is the Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
During this time, fasting is obligatory for all able Muslims who have reached adolescence if they are able. However, the month of Ramadan is more than just fasting from sunrise to sunset. Muslims are also required to abstain from worldly activities, focusing more on worship through prayer, reading the Qur’an, charity work, family gatherings, as well as restraining oneself from using foul language, gossiping, suspicion and/or anything that entices negativity towards others or to oneself. This is a month of cleansing one’s soul and purifying oneself.
While students are encouraged to continue their school activities during this time, teachers will be flexible and accommodate the needs of those participating in Ramadan. Some students will wake very early to pray and eat before sunrise, and may be tired from fasting later in the day.
Ramadan also provides an opportunity for all students to learn about this occasion and expand their understanding of Islamic culture. Below are a few resources to learn more about Ramadan and Eid.
May
In our schools and classrooms, Jewish Heritage Month is an opportunity to learn about and collectively celebrate Jewish heritage and culture, and to recognize and appreciate the historical contributions Jewish people have made to communities in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and beyond.
Resources:
May is Asian Heritage Month and South Asian Heritage Month in Canada, and May 5th is South Asian Arrival Day. These dates provide opportunities to acknowledge the long and rich history of Asian and South Asian Canadians and the positive impacts they have within our communities.
The month of May provides an opportunity for staff, students and community members to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Asian Canadians and the importance of their role in communities across our District, and across Canada.
In honoring Asian Heritage Month, we must also acknowledge the historic hardships Asian Canadians endured and the current day discrimination that they continue to face. It is important to integrate the lived experiences and perspectives of Asian Canadians into learning not just during this month, but all year round.
Resources: