This November, we recognize...

Albanian Heritage Month

November is a significant month for the Albanian community. People of Albanian origin celebrate the Albanian Declaration of Independence and Liberation Day, the day that Albania was liberated from Nazi Germany forces, this month. 

For more information, view the Albanian Heritage Month Act, 2016, S.O. 2016, c. 29.​

Hindu Heritage Month​

Hindu Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Hindu Canadians and the important role that they have played and continue to play in communities across Ontario. 

For more information, view the Hindu Heritage Month Act, 2016, S.O. 2016, c. 35.

Lebanese Heritage Month​​

Lebanese Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Lebanese Canadians and their continuing role in helping to foster growth, prosperity and innovation throughout Ontario. 

For more information, view the Lebanese Heritage Month Act, 2017, S.O. 2017, c. 27 - Bill 60​.​

Remembrance Day (November 11, 2024)

Remembrance Day is a yearly memorial day that is observed in many Commonwealth countries, including Canada, to remember those who died in military service, and honour those who served in wartime. It is observed across Canada each year on 11 November — the anniversary of the Armistice agreement of 1918 that ended the First World War.  

(Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia - Remembrance Day in Canada)

Scottish Heritage Day (November 30, 2024)

Beginning in the 1700s, the Scottish Highland Clearances displaced many of its citizens, forcing them out of their homes with no means to support their families. Many looked to Canada to start a new life, settling in various locations across Upper Canada, joining their fellow countrymen who had fought for the Crown during the American War of Independence.

St. Andrew’s Day is celebrated on November 30th and is Scotland’s official national day.

(Source: Scottish Heritage Day Act, 2021, S.O. 2021, c. 19 - Bill 208)

Transgender Awareness Week (November 13-19, 2024)

Transgender Awareness Week is a week when transgender people and their allies take action to bring attention to the trans community by educating the public about who transgender people are, sharing stories and experiences, and advancing advocacy around issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that affect the transgender community.

(Source: GLAAD - Transgender Awareness Week)

Treaties Recognition Week (November 3-9, 2024)

In 2016, Ontario passed the first legislation of its kind in Canada declaring the first full week of November as Treaties Recognition Week.

This annual event honours the importance of Treaties and helps students and residents of Ontario learn more about Treaty rights and relationships. By learning more about our collective Treaty rights and obligations, we can create greater understanding and nurture relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

(Source: Government of Ontario - Treaties Recognition Week)

Reading and Library News!

FOLD Kids Book Fest (November 5-9, 2024)

FOLD Kids Book Fest centers stories by underrepresented authors and illustrators – showcasing one-of-a-kind programming for children, youth, parents, guardians, and educators. As the only festival of its kind in Canada, FOLD Kids Book Fest provides a unique opportunity to reach a diverse audience of engaged and thoughtful readers by centering marginalized voices and providing a wide range of thoughtfully curated content.

FOLD Kids Book Fest is a multimodal festival, hosting virtual, in-person and hybrid storytelling events from November 5—9, 2024.

(Source: FOLD Kids)

I Read Canadian Day (November 6, 2024)

I Read Canadian Day is a new nationwide initiative that celebrates the richness, diversity and breadth of Canadian literature. Taking place for the third year on November 6, 2024, this celebration will empower families, schools, libraries, bookstores and organizations to host activities and events by reading Canadian books for just fifteen minutes. For more information, visit ireadcanadian.ca/day and sign up for free to participate. Help get the word out on social media by following @IReadCanadian and using the hashtag #IReadCanadian.

(Source: I Read Canadian Day)