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.
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1-31
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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.
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1
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Shogatsu/Gantan-sai (New Year’s) – Shinto
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4
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World Braille Day Learn more
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5
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Guru Gobindh Singh birthday – Sikh Twelfth Night – Christian
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6
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Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day) – Christian Epiphany – Christian Feast of the Epiphany (Theophany) – Orthodox Christian
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7
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Feast of the Nativity – Orthodox Christian
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8
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Feast of the Holy Family – Catholic Christian
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13
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Black Excellence Day Learn more Maghi – Sikh
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22
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Lunar New Year
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24
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World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture Learn more
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27
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International Holocaust Remembrance Day Learn more
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29
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National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia Learn more
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30
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Mahayana New Year (three days) – Buddhism
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1-28
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Black History Month Learn more
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2
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Imbolc (Candlemas) – Wicca/Neo Pagan Saint Brighid of Kildare – Christian
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3
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Setsebun – Shinto
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11
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International Day of Women and Girls in Science Learn more
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14
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Annual Women’s Memorial March Learn more National Have a Heart Day Learn more St. Valentine's Day – Christian
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15
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Nirvana Day – Buddhist
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28
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World Day of Social Justice Learn more
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21
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International Mother Language Day Learn more
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22
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Pink Shirt Day Learn more
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1
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St. David of Wales – Christian
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8
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International Women's Day Learn more
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17
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St. Patrick's Day – Christian
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20 |
Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day Learn more |
21
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Norooz (New Year) – Persian/Zoroastrian Ostara – Wicca/Neo Pagan International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Learn more World Down Syndrome Day Learn more
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22
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Ramadan Begins – Islam World Water Day Learn more
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24
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World TB Day Learn more
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25
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Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Christian The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade Learn more
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26
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Khordad Sal – Zoroastrian
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30
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Magha Puja Day – Buddhism
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31
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International Transgender Day of Visibility Learn more
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1-30
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Sikh Heritage Month Learn more
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9
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Easter – Christian
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12
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International Day of Pink Learn more
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14
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Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) – Sikh
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16
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Theravadin New Year – Buddhism
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22
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Eid-ul-Fitr – Islam Earth Day Learn more
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23
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St. George's Day – Christian
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25
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Saint Mark, Apostle and Evangelist – Christian World Malaria Day Learn more
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28
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National Day of Mourning Learn more World Day of Safety and Health at Work Learn more
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30
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St. James the Great Day – Orthodox Christian
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