Multicultural Calendar

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June Significant Observances

NOTE: The Multicultural Calendars are educational and informational resources only. They are not intended to be, nor should be relied upon as an authority on significant days of observance or to guide accommodation decisions. If you require information and advice about the accommodation of religious, cultural and significant observances, please consult the Ontario Human Rights Commission website.

While all efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of these dates, the actual day of observance may vary.

We rely on the expertise of our community and faith groups to assist in making our list as accurate and representative as possible. Please send any feedback, updates or corrections to diversity@durham.ca.

National Indigenous Month
June is National Indigenous History Month. We recognize First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples as stewards for the lands and waters in which the Region is located. Durham Region is committed to reconciliation and encourages everyone to learn about the rich and diverse Indigenous cultures and ancestral traditions that have long served many communities—not just in June, but every day. Learn more about National Indigenous History Month.
Pride Month
June is recognized as Pride Month. During this month, we acknowledge and celebrate the unique and diverse 2SLGBTQI+ communities and recommit to creating equitable and inclusive spaces for everyone. In June, the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag is also raised at Durham Regional Headquarters. Learn more about Pride in Durham Region at durham.ca/pride.
Seniors' Month
June is Seniors' Month in Ontario. This year's theme is "Fit, Active and Healthy Seniors." Let's recognize and celebrate the contributions of seniors in Durham Region. Learn more about Seniors’ Month.
Deafblind Awareness Month
Deafblind Awareness Month, in June, raises awareness about individuals who experience both hearing and vision loss by highlighting the challenges faced by the deafblind community. The campaign aims to create a more accessible and inclusive society through education and advocacy. Learn more about Deafblind Awareness Month.
Filipino Heritage Month
June is Filipino Heritage Month. Throughout this month we recognize and highlight the contributions of Canadians of Filipino heritage to the region and Canada. Learn more about Filipino Heritage Month.
Italian Heritage Month
June is Italian Heritage Month. This is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and impact of Italian Canadians. Learn more Italian Heritage Month.
Portuguese Heritage Month
During the month of June, we celebrate Portuguese Heritage Month. We recognize the many past and ongoing contributions of Portuguese Canadians, their rich and vibrant traditions and culture. Learn more about Portuguese Heritage Month.
Men's Health Month
June marks Men's Health Month in Canada, a time devoted to highlighting the significance of men's well-being. This month serves as a reminder for individuals to prioritize their physical and mental health while also addressing societal barriers that may prevent men from seeking the support they need. Learn more about Men’s Health Month.
Shavuot - June 1
Shavuot is a major Jewish holiday. It was originally a harvest festival, but now also commemorates the giving of the Law (the Torah). Learn more about Shavuot.
World Environment Day - June 5
World Environment Day is led by the United Nations Environment Programme and held annually on June 5. This year's theme is ending plastic pollution. For decades, plastic pollution has seeped into every corner of the world, leaching into the water we drink, into the food we eat, and our bodies. Plastic pollution is one of the most fixable environmental challenges. Learn more about World Environment Day.
Day of Arafah - June 5
On the Day of Arafah, millions of Muslims will travel to Mecca for the sacred pilgrimage. This holy day is also observed through prayer and by donating to charity. Learn more about Day of Arafah.
Eid al-Adha - June 6 to June 9
June 6 marks the beginning of Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world. This is one of Islam's most important holidays, usually lasting three-to-four days and including prayer, spending time with family and participating in charitable activities. Learn more about Eid al-Adha.
World Day Against Child Labour - June 12
Eliminating child labour is a global priority. Each year on June 12, we recognize World Day Against Child Labour, to raise awareness and champion equitable and safe places for children to reach their full potential away from hazardous, unpaid and domestic work. Learn more about World Day Against Child Labour.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - June
June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Elder abuse is the abuse or mistreatment of seniors. This abuse can cause harm to a person's health, safety or well-being. In some cases, it occurs with little recognition or response. We raise awareness about this issue and the need to protect elders in our communities. If you are, or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse, there are resources available through Durham Region that you can access. Learn more about Elder Abuse and how to access Regional supports.
Father's Day - June 15
Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June to honour and express appreciation of fathers and father figures.
World Refugee Day - June 20
The United Nations recognizes World Refugee Day on June 20 each year. It is a day to honour refugees and recognize the strength and courage of people fleeing their home country under challenging circumstances. This year the day focuses on solidarity with refugees. Learn more about World Refugee Day.
National Indigenous Peoples Day - June 21
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This day is an opportunity to learn, honour and celebrate the distinct heritage, cultural practices, traditions, languages and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Durham Region is on a journey toward reconciliation through building meaningful relationships with diverse Indigenous communities and learning how to incorporate Indigenous ways in our practices. Learn more about the traditional stewards of the land on which Durham Region operates.
National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Terrorism - June 23
That National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism is observed on June 23, in memory of those who lost their lives to acts of terror in Canada and abroad. This day was established in recognition of the 329 people, including 280 Canadians, who tragically lost their lives after the bombing of Air India Flight 182. This act of violence remains the most devastating terrorist attack in Canadian history. In recognition of this day, Durham Region lowers the flags to half-mast from sunrise to sunset at all Regional facilities. Learn more about the National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Terrorism.
Saint-Jean Baptiste Day - June 24
On June 24, Québécois and francophone communities celebrate Fête Nationale du Québec and Saint-Jean Baptise Day. This day has evolved into a celebration of the distinctness of French culture and language. Learn more about Saint-Jean Baptiste Day.
Hijiri New Year's Day - June 25
Islamic New Year's Day, or Hijri New Year's Day, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year that many Muslims follow. This holiday is celebrated by performing small acts of kindness throughout the day, prayer and fasting. Happy New Year to all who celebrate. Please note that the exact date of this observance will depend on the moon sighting. Learn more Hijri New Year’s Day.
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture - June 26
Torture is a crime under international law. June 26 is designated by the UN as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. This day is an opportunity to call on people everywhere to unite in support of victims. Learn more about the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
Canadian Multiculturalism Day - June 27
Canadian Multiculturalism Day is a day to discover the various cultures that bring Canadian society to life. It also provides an opportunity to learn more about the importance of multiculturalism in Canada. Who we are in terms of our cultural, racial, ethnic and religious identities helps to shape our life experiences and should be celebrated and respected. Learn more about Canadian Multiculturalism Day.

National Indigenous Month

June is National Indigenous History Month. We recognize First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples as stewards for the lands and waters in which the Region is located.

Durham Region is committed to reconciliation and encourages everyone to learn about the rich and diverse Indigenous cultures and ancestral traditions that have long served many communities—not just in June, but every day. Learn more about National Indigenous History Month.

Pride Month

June is recognized as Pride Month. During this month, we acknowledge and celebrate the unique and diverse 2SLGBTQI+ communities and recommit to creating equitable and inclusive spaces for everyone.

In June, the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag is also raised at Durham Regional Headquarters.

Learn more about Pride in Durham Region at durham.ca/pride.

Seniors' Month

June is Seniors' Month in Ontario. This year's theme is "Fit, Active and Healthy Seniors." Let's recognize and celebrate the contributions of seniors in Durham Region.

Learn more about Seniors’ Month.

Deafblind Awareness Month

Deafblind Awareness Month, in June, raises awareness about individuals who experience both hearing and vision loss by highlighting the challenges faced by the deafblind community. The campaign aims to create a more accessible and inclusive society through education and advocacy.

Learn more about Deafblind Awareness Month.

Filipino Heritage Month

June is Filipino Heritage Month. Throughout this month we recognize and highlight the contributions of Canadians of Filipino heritage to the region and Canada.

Learn more about Filipino Heritage Month.

Italian Heritage Month

June is Italian Heritage Month. This is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and impact of Italian Canadians.

Learn more Italian Heritage Month.

Portuguese Heritage Month

During the month of June, we celebrate Portuguese Heritage Month. We recognize the many past and ongoing contributions of Portuguese Canadians, their rich and vibrant traditions and culture.

Learn more about Portuguese Heritage Month.

Men's Health Month

June marks Men's Health Month in Canada, a time devoted to highlighting the significance of men's well-being. This month serves as a reminder for individuals to prioritize their physical and mental health while also addressing societal barriers that may prevent men from seeking the support they need.

Learn more about Men’s Health Month.

Shavuot - June 1

Shavuot is a major Jewish holiday. It was originally a harvest festival, but now also commemorates the giving of the Law (the Torah).

Learn more about Shavuot.

World Environment Day - June 5

World Environment Day is led by the United Nations Environment Programme and held annually on June 5.

This year's theme is ending plastic pollution. For decades, plastic pollution has seeped into every corner of the world, leaching into the water we drink, into the food we eat, and our bodies. Plastic pollution is one of the most fixable environmental challenges.

Learn more about World Environment Day.

Day of Arafah - June 5

On the Day of Arafah, millions of Muslims will travel to Mecca for the sacred pilgrimage. This holy day is also observed through prayer and by donating to charity.

Learn more about Day of Arafah.

Eid al-Adha - June 6 to June 9

June 6 marks the beginning of Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world.

This is one of Islam's most important holidays, usually lasting three-to-four days and including prayer, spending time with family and participating in charitable activities.

Learn more about Eid al-Adha.

World Day Against Child Labour - June 12

Eliminating child labour is a global priority.

Each year on June 12, we recognize World Day Against Child Labour, to raise awareness and champion equitable and safe places for children to reach their full potential away from hazardous, unpaid and domestic work.

Learn more about World Day Against Child Labour.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - June

June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Elder abuse is the abuse or mistreatment of seniors. This abuse can cause harm to a person's health, safety or well-being. In some cases, it occurs with little recognition or response.

We raise awareness about this issue and the need to protect elders in our communities.

If you are, or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse, there are resources available through Durham Region that you can access.

Learn more about Elder Abuse and how to access Regional supports.

Father's Day - June 15

Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June to honour and express appreciation of fathers and father figures.

World Refugee Day - June 20

The United Nations recognizes World Refugee Day on June 20 each year.

It is a day to honour refugees and recognize the strength and courage of people fleeing their home country under challenging circumstances. This year the day focuses on solidarity with refugees.

Learn more about World Refugee Day.

National Indigenous Peoples Day - June 21

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This day is an opportunity to learn, honour and celebrate the distinct heritage, cultural practices, traditions, languages and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

Durham Region is on a journey toward reconciliation through building meaningful relationships with diverse Indigenous communities and learning how to incorporate Indigenous ways in our practices.

Learn more about the traditional stewards of the land on which Durham Region operates.

National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Terrorism - June 23

That National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism is observed on June 23, in memory of those who lost their lives to acts of terror in Canada and abroad. This day was established in recognition of the 329 people, including 280 Canadians, who tragically lost their lives after the bombing of Air India Flight 182. This act of violence remains the most devastating terrorist attack in Canadian history.

In recognition of this day, Durham Region lowers the flags to half-mast from sunrise to sunset at all Regional facilities.

Learn more about the National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Terrorism.

Saint-Jean Baptiste Day - June 24

On June 24, Québécois and francophone communities celebrate Fête Nationale du Québec and Saint-Jean Baptise Day.

This day has evolved into a celebration of the distinctness of French culture and language.

Learn more about Saint-Jean Baptiste Day.

Hijiri New Year's Day - June 25

Islamic New Year's Day, or Hijri New Year's Day, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year that many Muslims follow. This holiday is celebrated by performing small acts of kindness throughout the day, prayer and fasting. Happy New Year to all who celebrate.

Please note that the exact date of this observance will depend on the moon sighting.

Learn more Hijri New Year’s Day.

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture - June 26

Torture is a crime under international law.

June 26 is designated by the UN as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. This day is an opportunity to call on people everywhere to unite in support of victims.

Learn more about the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

Canadian Multiculturalism Day - June 27

Canadian Multiculturalism Day is a day to discover the various cultures that bring Canadian society to life.

It also provides an opportunity to learn more about the importance of multiculturalism in Canada. Who we are in terms of our cultural, racial, ethnic and religious identities helps to shape our life experiences and should be celebrated and respected.

Learn more about Canadian Multiculturalism Day.