International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples – August 9th
Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years. Yet, throughout history, their rights have been violated. Indigenous peoples today, are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life.
In order to raise awareness of the needs of these population groups, every 9 August commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, chosen in recognition of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982.
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International Youth Day – August 12th
The theme of International Youth Day 2021 is, “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”, with the aim of highlighting that the success of such a global effort will not be achieved without the meaningful participation of young people.
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Pride Week – August 12-22
In 2020, the Halifax Pride Society re-imagined our Mission, Vision, and Values. Identifying a colonial narrative woven into the concept of a “mission”, we adopted a new model based on our Aim, Purpose, & Guiding Principles. They are as follows:
AIM: An equitable society free from all forms of oppression.
PURPOSE: To create spaces for persons of diverse sexual and gender identities to come together and flourish.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
- Community: a sense of belonging and connection.
- Self-expression: being one’s true authentic self without fear or judgment.
- Growth: continually unlearning oppressive social constructs and structures to re-imagine and rebuild a system that will champion all voices.
Click here to learn more about Pride Month in Nova Scotia.
World Humanitarian Day – August 19th
On World Humanitarian Day (WHD) August 19, the world commemorates humanitarian workers killed and injured in the course of their work, and we honour all aid and health workers who continue, despite the odds, to provide life-saving support and protection to people most in need. This year World Humanitarian Day comes as the world continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic over recent months. Aid workers are overcoming unprecedented access hurdles to assist people in humanitarian crises in 54 countries, as well as in a further nine countries which have been catapulted into humanitarian need by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Click here to learn more about World Humanitarian Day.