Truth and Reconciliation is the pathway to better relationship with Indigenous rights holders in the community and at a minimum, starts with the 94 calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report as applicable to the organization. 

City of Richmond Hill Land Acknowledgement:

We are gathering on lands that have been home to First Nations peoples from time immemorial. We acknowledge that what we now call Richmond Hill is on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations of the Williams Treaty. We also recognize that we are on part of the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and the Huron Wendat. We would also like to acknowledge all First Nation, Inuit and Metis people from across North America, also known as Turtle Island, who now reside in the City of Richmond Hill. We are committed to rebuilding constructive and cooperative relationships. 

Want to Learn More?

The Government of Canada offers a virtual learning experience called National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024: Advancing Reconciliation in Canada Through Allyship and Decolonization. Anyone can participate in the session on September 27^th from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. by registering as a member of the public. The session is offered in English and in French. 

Learn more about International Day of Persons with Disabilities | United Nations 

Black History Month - February

February is Black History Month, providing an opportunity for Canadians to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities. Learn more about Black history in Canada from the Government of Canada.

Saturday March 8, 2025 is International Women's Day. It’s a global day to recognize and celebrate women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It’s also a time to raise awareness of the progress made towards achieving gender equality and the work remaining to be done.

The beginnings of International Women's Day can be traced back to the early twentieth century. It emerged from the activities of labour movements in North America and Europe and reflected a growing call for women’s equal participation in society. International Women's Day first took place on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. That day, over a million women and men attended public events to show their support. Other countries began to observe and celebrate this day in the years that followed. The United Nations recognized 1975 as International Women's Year and began celebrating March 8 as International Women's Day.

Pride season is celebrated nationally in Canada throughout the summer, from June to September. It is born out of the Pride movement, which began as protests against police brutality and unjust laws, and to push for equal rights and protections for 2SLGBTQI+ communities. These protests, which are still ongoing across the country, are often celebrated at Pride Festivals held across Canada both during and outside of Pride season. Although Pride season is a great opportunity for allyship across the country, it is important that anyone who wishes to acknowledge Pride is an active ally to 2SLGBTQI+ communities throughout the year and not just in the Pride Season months. During Pride season, June is commonly recognized as Pride Month. This is the month that is commemorated by the governments of Canada and the United States. Learn more about Pride from the Government of Canada