2022 Calendar of Observances

The following calendar of observances remind us of the rich diversity of our union and our communities and encourages us to be culturally aware when providing care to our patients.  The calendar also invites us to reflect on how we might support initiatives to advance equitable access to the social determinants of health.  

As you scroll through the calendar you will note the recognition of a number multi-faith and multicultural days (in black text) and the listing of various commemorative events or days (in berry text).  This list is by no means exhaustive but reflects one aspect of the diversity of our membership (and our communities) and a few of the many celebrations and events that mark the year. 

January

1​	Shogatsu/Gantan-sai (New Year’s) – Shinto
1-31	Tamil Heritage Month Since 2016, Tamil Heritage Month is celebrated in January to increase awareness and appreciation for all the achievements and contributions of the Tamil people. Learn more.
4​	​World Braille Day To celebrate World Braille Day in January 2022, CNIB & Braille Literacy Canada are inviting people to participate in #BrailleMyWay - a braille social media campaign. Learn more.
5	Twelfth Night – Christian Guru Gobindh Singh birthday – Sikh Epiphany – Christian
6	Feast of the Epiphany (Theophany) – Orthodox Christian ​Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day)– Christian
7	Feast of the Nativity – Orthodox Christian Christmas Day – Rastafarian
14	Black Excellence Day Black Excellence Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the ongoing civil rights struggle of Black and racialized Canadians and to ensure that our education systems better reflect Black histories. Learn more.
17​	Tu BiShvat – Judaism
24​	International Day of Education A time to recommit ourselves to strengthen education as a public endeavour and common goal . Learn more.
​24	​World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture A day to celebrate the cultures of the African continent and African Diasporas around the world Learn more.
​27	International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops on Jan. 27, 1945. The Holocaust profoundly affected countries in which Nazi crimes were perpetrated, but also had universal implications and consequences in many other parts of the world. Learn more.
​29	National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia On Jan. 29, 2017, six people were killed and 19 others seriously injured in a terrorist attack on the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City. This annual day of remembrance offers all of us an opportunity to be in solidarity with the Muslim community. Learn more.
​30	Mahayana New Year 3 days (Regional Variation) – Buddhism

February

1-28	Black History Month Learn more.
1	Lunar New Year
2	Candlemas - Presentation of Christ in the Temple – Christian Imbolc (Candlemas) – Wicca/Neo Pagan
3	Setsebun – Shinto
5​	Vasant Panchami – Hindu
11	International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation The UN is striving for the eradication of the female genital mutilation practice by 2030. Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. Learn more. International Day of Women and Girls in Science The UN celebrates women and girls in science and calls “on everyone to smash stereotypes, defy gender biases and defeat discrimination that hold women and girls back in STEM fields” (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Learn more.
14​	​ St. Valentine's Day – Christian Annual Women’s Memorial March The first women’s memorial march was held in 1992 in response to the murder of a woman on Powell Street in Vancouver. Out of this sense of hopelessness and anger came an annual march on Valentine’s Day to express compassion, community, and caring for all women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Unceded Coast Salish Territories. Learn more.
15​	​ Nirvana Day (Regional Variations) – Buddhist
21	International Mother Language Day International Mother Language Day has been observed every year since February 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualismWe are fortunate to live in a part of the world that has a rich diversity of spoken/written languages. Learn more about the many Indigenous languages spoken across this geography.
​23	Pink Shirt Day February 23 is Pink Shirt Day, an opportunity for BCNU members to join other Canadians in raising awareness and taking action to end bullying and harassment. COVID-19 has impacted us all. Let's strive to "lift each other up" and treat one another with civility and respect during these challenging times.
28	Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day February 28 is International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day. The day is an opportunity to raise awareness about RSIs, the need to prevent them, and the importance of fair compensation for injured workers. Prevention is key. Learn the risk factors for RSI in your work, report concerns to your supervisor or manager and tell your BCNU steward or BCNU JOHSC representative.

March

2	Ash Wednesday – Christian Lent Begins – Christian
3​	​ World Wildlife Day In the midst of an accelerating climate crisis World Wildlife Day is an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that their conservation provides to people. Learn more.
7	Lent Begins – Orthodox Christian
8​	​ International Women's Day A day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while continuing to take action to ensure women have equal access to social, political and economic rights. Learn more.
17	St. Patrick's Day – Christian Purim –Judaism
18	Holi – Hindu
20	Ostara – Vernal Equinox – Wicca/Neo Pagan (Begins At Sundown)
21	Norooz (New Year) – Persian/Zoroastrian International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960. Learn more.
22	​ World Water Day World Water Day focuses on the importance of fresh water while raising the awareness that 2.2 billion people –including many First Nations and rural communities here in BC – live without access to safe water. Learn more.
25​	​ International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade A day to honour the more than 15 million men, women and children who were victims of the horrific transatlantic slave trade for more than 400 years and an opportunity to reflect on the lasting legacies of this abhorrent system. Learn more.
26	Khordad Sal (Birth of Prophet Zaranthushtra) – Zoroastrian
30	Magha Puja Day (Regional Variations) – Buddhism
31​	​ International Trans Day of Visibility This Day is dedicated to celebrating trans people while raising awareness of discrimination trans people continue to face. Learn more.

April

3	Ramadan Begins (Regional Variations) – Islam
5	International Day of Conscience The goal of the UN is to promote a culture of peace with love and conscience. Included in this goal is to eradicate war for future generations while transforming to a culture of peace. Learn more.
7	International Day of Reflection on 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda During the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, up to one million people were killed and as many as 250,000 women were raped, leaving the country’s population traumatized and its infrastructure decimated. Since then, Rwanda has embarked on an ambitious justice and reconciliation process. Learn more here and here World Health Day Over the past 50 years, this day has brought to light important health issues such as mental health, maternal and childcare, and climate change. The celebration is marked by activities that extend beyond the day itself and serves as an opportunity to focus worldwide attention on these important aspects of global health. Learn more.
10	BC Indigenous Nurses Day BCNU is proud to celebrate BC Indigenous Nurses Day on April 10 in honour of Charlotte Edith Anderson Monture, the first Indigenous nurse in Canada. Learn more. Palm Sunday – Christian
13	International Day of Pink Every year, on the second Wednesday of April people around the world are encouraged to wear pink and stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the ongoing struggle for justice, equality and acceptance. Learn more.
14	Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) – Sikh/Hindu Lent Ends – Christian Mahavir Jayanti – Jain
15	Good Friday – Christian
16	Theravadin New Year 3 Days (Regional Variations) – Buddhism Hanuman Jayanti – Hindu Lazarus Saturday – Orthodox Christian Pesach Begins– Judaism
17	Easter (Western) – Christian Palm Sunday – Orthodox Christian
22	Earth Day A day to reflect on the importance of acting to mitigate climate change and protect biodiversity. Our lives and those of future generations depend on it. Learn more.
23	St. George's Day – Christian Pesach Ends – Judaism
24	Easter (Pascha) – Orthodox Christian
25	World Malaria Day World Malaria Day, which takes place on April 25 each year, is internationally recognized, highlighting the global efforts to control malaria and celebrating the gains that have been made. Half the world still lives at risk from this preventable, treatable disease, which costs a child’s life every two minutes. Learn more.
28	Yom HaShoah – Judaism National Day of Mourning for Workers Marked annually in Canada on April 28, the National Day of Mourning is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job or due to a work-related tragedy. Learn more.

May

1-31	Asian Heritage Month Learn more. Jewish Heritage Month Learn more.
1	Beltane – Wicca/Neo Pagan
2	Ramadan Ends (Regional Variations) – Islam
2-8	Mental Health Week This year, Mental Health week is all about the importance of empathy. Learn more. Until May 8
3	Eid al Fitr (Regional Variations) – Islam
5	National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Learn more.
8	Mother's Day
9-15	National Nursing Week National Nursing Week is a time to recognize the nursing profession and honour the important work of nurses. This year, we aren’t celebrating. Instead, BCNU is shining a light on the critical state of our health-care system and the devastating impact on nurses, patients and our communities. Learn more. Until May 15
12	International Nurses Day A day to mark and celebrate the contributions that nurses make to society.
15	International Day of Families A day to celebrate and affirm the social and economic rights of all families – in all their diversity.
16	International Day of Living Together in Peace This day invites countries to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity.
17	International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was created in 2004 to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
20	World Bee Day Bees are under threat. Present species extinction rates are 100 to 1,000 times higher than normal due to human impacts. Close to 35 percent of invertebrate pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, and about 17 percent of vertebrate pollinators, such as bats, face extinction globally.
21	World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development This day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to advance the four goals of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted on 20 October 2005.
23	Victoria Day International Day to End Obstetric Fistula Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury, and a neglected public health and human rights issue. Two million women in low-resource settings have an obstetric fistula, and 100,000 more develop one every year. Leaking urine and/or feces and, as a result, living in desperate circumstances, only 1 in 50 ever receives treatment.
27	Visakha Puja - Buddha Day (Regional Variations) – Buddhism

June

1-30	LGBTQ Pride Indigenous History Month
5	Pentecost – Christian Shavuot Begins – Judaism
7	World Food Safety Day Food safety has a critical role in assuring that food stays safe at every stage of the food chain - from production to harvest, processing, storage, distribution, all the way to preparation and consumption. Learn more.
15	World Elder Abuse Awareness Day World Elder Abuse Day is marked each year on June 15. It is an official United Nations International Day acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.
19	Father’s Day
21	Litha - Summer Solstice – Wicca/Neo Pagan  National Indigenous Peoples Day BCNU is committed to addressing anti-Indigenous racism in health care and remains steadfast on its path to a genuine and just process of truth and reconciliation. In 1996, the Government of Canada announced June 21 as National Aboriginal Day (now National Indigenous Peoples Day) to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
24	Saint John the Baptist – Christian

July

1	Canada Day
9	Eid al Adha – (Regional Variations) Islam
11	World Population Day Harnessing opportunities and ensuring rights and choices for all. Learn more.
14	International Non-Binary People's Day July 14 is recognized around the world as International Non-Binary People’s Day. This occasion shines a light on those who identify as non-binary and celebrates the rich diversity of the community. Learn more.
18	Nelson Mandela Day In recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to a culture of peace and freedom. Learn more.
24	World Pioneer Day – Mormon Christian.
26	Asalha Puja Day – (Regional Variations) Buddhist
30	International Day of Friendship Through friendship — by accumulating bonds of camaraderie and developing strong ties of trust — we can contribute to the fundamental shifts that are urgently needed to achieve lasting stability, weave a safety net that will protect us all, and generate passion for a better world where all are united for the greater good. Learn more.

August

1	BC Day Lughnassad (Lammas) – Wicca/Neo Pagan (Begins At Sundown) Emancipation Day Emancipation Day falls on the day in 1834 that slavery was abolished in the British Empire. It is an opportunity to learn about Canada’s colonial history — a history that includes slavery and the enslavement of Black people. Learn more.
7	Tish'a B'av – Judaism.
9	International Day of the World’s Indigenous People A day to recommit ourselves to promote and protect the rights of the world's Indigenous peoples. Learn more.
11	Raksha Bandhan
12	International Youth Day A day to celebrate the vital role young people play in making the world a better place for everyone. Learn more.
19	Krishna Janmashtami - Hindu World Humanitarian Day A day that brings together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers. Learn more.
23	International Day of the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition Commemorating the 1791 uprising in Saint Domingue (now known as the Republic of Haiti) that would play a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. Learn more.

September

5	Labour Day
8	International Literacy Day (ILD) ILD 2021 will explore how literacy can contribute to building a solid foundation for a human-centred recovery, with a special focus on the interplay of literacy and digital skills required by non-literate youth and adults. It will also explore what makes technology-enabled literacy learning inclusive and meaningful to leave no one behind. By doing so, ILD2021 will be an opportunity to reimagine future literacy teaching and learning, within and beyond the context of the pandemic. Learn more.
10	World Suicide Prevention Day Globally, more than 700 000 people die by suicide every year. Furthermore, for each suicide, there are more than 20 suicide attempts. Suicides and suicide attempts have a ripple effect that impacts on families, friends, colleagues, communities and societies. Suicides are preventable. Much can be done to prevent suicide at individual, community and national levels. Learn more.
11	Ethiopian New Year - Rastafarian
17	World Patient Safety Day For this year’s World Patient Safety Day, The World Health Organization calls upon all nations and communities to “Act now for safe and respectful childbirth!” with the theme “Safe maternal and newborn care”. Learn more.
18	International Equal Pay Day International Equal Pay Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the gender pay gap. Equal pay means that women and men have the right to receive equal wages for work of equal value. Learn more.
21	International Day of Peace The 2021 theme for the International Day of Peace is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world” – as communities strive for a more equitable and peaceful world. All of us can promote peace by standing up against acts of hate online and offline, and by spreading compassion, kindness, and hope in the face of the pandemic. Learn more.
22	Fall Equinox - Mabon
23	International Day of Sign Languages The International Day of Sign Languages is our collective opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users. Learn more. Fall Equinox - Wicca/Neo Pagan (Begins At Sundown)
26	Navaratri Begins - Hindu till October 4.
29	International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Cutting food loss and waste reduces poverty and hunger and fights climate change. Food loss and waste is responsible for about 7% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nearly 30% of the world’s agricultural land is currently occupied to produce food that is ultimately never consumed. Learn more.
30	Orange Shirt Day The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of residential schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of residential schools and the legacy they have left behind. A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation. A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected. Every Child Matters, even if they are an adult, from now on. Learn more. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. Learn more.

October

4	St. Francis Day – Christian Navaratri Ends – Hindu
5	Yom Kippur – Judaism
10	Sukkot Begins – Judaism World Mental Health Day In 1992 the World Federation for Mental Health created the day to raise awareness of mental health issues and advocate for programs and care options to help people sustain and strengthen their mental health. Learn more.
10	Thanksgiving Day
11	International Day of the Girl Today’s more than 1.1 billion girls are poised to take on the future. Every day, girls are breaking boundaries and barriers, tackling issues like child marriage, education inequality, violence, climate justice, and inequitable access to health care. Learn more. National Coming Out Day National Coming Out Day serves as an excellent opportunity for all of us to acknowledge our role in making communities safer and more welcoming for LGBTQ2S+ persons. Learn more.
16	Sukkot Ends – Judaism World Food Day The food we choose and the way we consume it affect our health and that of our planet. A sustainable agri-food system is one in which a variety of sufficient, nutritious and safe foods is available at an affordable price to everyone, and nobody is hungry or suffers from any form of malnutrition. Learn more.
17	International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Poverty entails more than the lack of income and productive resources to ensure sustainable livelihoods. Its manifestations include hunger and malnutrition, limited access to education and other basic services, social discrimination and exclusion, as well as the lack of participation in decision-making. Learn more.
20	Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth – Sikh International Pronouns Day Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Together, we can transform society to celebrate people’s multiple, intersecting identities. Learn more.
24	Diwali (Deepavali) – Hindu
25	Vikram New Year – Hindu
26	Rosh Hashanah Begins – Judaism
27	Rosh Hashanah Ends – Judaism
31	All Hallows Eve – Christian Samhain – Wicca/Neo Pagan

November

7	Inuit Day November 7th was proclaimed as Inuit Day to honour the birth date of Eben Hopson, Sr. The Alaskan Leader from Utqiagvik (Barrow) is credited with founding the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) in June, 1977. ICC is the body that represents all Inuit from Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Chukotka on matters of international importance, including Inuit health and well-being. Learn more.
8	Indigenous Veterans Day November 8th is recognized specifically for Indigenous brothers and sisters who sacrificed their livelihood, culture, and lives in order to serve wartime Canada. It is estimated that between 1914 – 1953, more than 12,000 Indigenous people joined the Canadian military. Learn more.
11	Remembrance Day
16	International Day for Tolerance The diversity of our world's many religions, languages, cultures and ethnicities is not a pretext for conflict, but is a treasure that enriches us all. Learn more. Louis Riel Day Louis Riel Day is held every year on November 16 across the Métis homelands. November 16 is the anniversary of Riel’s execution in 1885. During that year, Riel led Métis people in the Northwest Resistance - a stand against the Government of Canada because it was encroaching on Metis rights. Learn more.
20	World Children's Day A day to recommit ourselves to protecting the rights of all children, everywhere. Learn more. Transgender Day of Remembrance Canada began marking this day in 1999 in response to the brutal killing of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman. Transgender Day of Remembrance is an opportunity to honour all transgender, two-spirit, and non-binary people who were victims of violence, hatred, and discrimination and who had their lives taken. Learn more.
25	International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women While gender-based violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, some women and girls are particularly vulnerable - for instance, young girls and older women, women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex, migrants and refugees, Indigenous women and ethnic minorities, or women and girls living with HIV and disabilities, and those living through humanitarian crises. Learn more. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Every year, from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (World Human Rights Day), Canadians observe the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. It is an opportunity to come together to call out, speak up and renew our commitment to end gender-based violence. Learn more. Until December 10

December

1	World AIDS Day
2	International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
3	International Day of Persons with Disabilities Disability inclusion is an essential condition to upholding human rights, sustainable development, and peace and security. It is also central to the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to leave no one behind. Learn more.
6	National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women It has been over 30 years since the murder of 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal (December 6, 1989). This act of violent misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate Dec. 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Learn more.
8	Bodhi Day – (Regional Variations) Buddhist
10	International Human Rights Day Human Rights Day is observed every year on Dec. 10 the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a milestone document, which proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Learn more.
12	Feast Day – Our Lady of Guadalupe – Catholic Christian International Universal Health Coverage Day To promote physical and mental health and well-being, and to extend life expectancy for all, we must achieve universal health coverage and access to quality health care. We must leave no one behind. Learn more.
18	Hanukkah Begins – Judaism International Migrants Day Migrants play a vital role in the global economy. Studies show that immigrants bring growth and innovation in both the countries they come from, and in those they move to. Learn more.
20	International Human Solidarity Day Solidarity is identified in the Millennium Declaration as one of the fundamental values of international relations in the 21st Century, wherein those, who either suffer or benefit least deserve help from those who benefit most. Consequently, in the context of globalization and the challenge of growing inequality, strengthening of international solidarity is indispensable. Learn more.
21	Yule/Winter Solstice – Wicca/Neo Pagan (Begins At Sundown)
24	Christmas Eve – Christian
25	Christmas Day – Christian
26	Boxing Day Zarathosht Diso – Zoroastria Hanukkah Ends – Judaism