February: Dates of Significance

Each month, the Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee highlights dates of significance. These may include religious observances, clinical and medical awareness dates, important events or other significant moments within the community. See below for a broader list of additional dates of significance.

In February, we acknowledge White Cane Awareness Week, The Missing Women’s Memorial March, Lunar New Year, Ramadan and Pink Shirt Day. Below, read more about each date of significance, written by members of our IDEA Committee.

White Cane Awareness Week: February 1 to 7

White Cane Awareness Week takes place during the first week of February and is observed across Canada. The week focuses on raising awareness about how people who are blind or have low vision travel safely and independently, including through the use of white canes. White canes are mobility tools used by some people who are blind or visually impaired. The cane is held in front of the user and moved side to side while walking, providing information about the surrounding environment, such as changes in surface texture, curbs, crosswalks and obstacles. White canes are typically straight and may fold when not in use.

Guide dogs are also specially trained to support safe travel, work and community participation. Whether using a white cane or a guide dog, individuals receive orientation and mobility (O&M) training to travel safely and efficiently. Some people who are blind or have low vision may also choose to travel with assistance from another person by lightly holding their guide near the elbow. These tools and supports help promote independence and confidence.

Blindness exists on a spectrum, and each person’s experience and needs are different. When in doubt, ask before offering assistance rather than making assumptions. To learn more, click here to read Shelley Morris’ interview with the Canadian Council of the Blind about her experience living with low vision.

The Missing Women’s Memorial March: February 14

On February 14, Canada honours and remembers the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). Across the country, the Missing Women’s Memorial March provides an opportunity to grieve lost loved ones and support those who have experienced such loss.

A 2023 Statistics Canada report found that Indigenous women and girls were six times more likely to be murdered than other groups in Canada. Many of these cases do not result in justice, a consequence of racism, homophobia, colonization and misogyny. The annual marches highlight the ongoing need to stand up for the rights of MMIWG2S+ and honour the memory of those lost, while acknowledging the systemic injustices that continue to harm Indigenous people in Canada.

For more information, visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights website to read their resource guide on missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

Lunar New Year: February 14

The Lunar New Year is determined by the first new moon of the lunar calendar and in 2026 falls on February 17. The holiday is celebrated by many cultures in countries including China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and others.

In China, the celebration is specifically known as Chinese New Year. Red decorations and clothing are commonly seen, as red is believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energy. Family gatherings are an integral part of the holiday, with meals shared together and offerings made to ancestors. Red envelopes containing money are often given to children and seniors to wish them a safe and prosperous year. Fireworks and public celebrations are also common. Festivities typically last several days and include a variety of activities and cultural events.

Ramadan: February 17 to March 19

Ramadan is one of the holiest months in Islam, marking the period when the Qur’an was first revealed. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from food and drink from pre-dawn to sunset as a way to strengthen self-discipline, gratitude and compassion, and to draw closer to God. The month is marked by increased prayer, Qur’an reading and spiritual reflection. Those who are unable to fast, including pregnant or nursing women, children, the elderly or people who are ill, are exempt.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which shifts earlier each year. The month typically lasts 29 or 30 days and begins with the sighting of the new moon, although some communities follow astronomical calculations. Fasting during Ramadan is intended to cultivate God-consciousness, known as taqwa, and encourage moral growth by avoiding negative behaviour. Ramadan is also a communal time, with families and friends gathering to break the fast together and attend prayers at the mosque.

Pink Shirt Day: February 25

Pink Shirt Day is celebrated to spread awareness about bullying while promoting kindness, inclusion and respect. The movement began in 2007 in Berwick, Nova Scotia, after a student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. Two Grade 12 students, David and Travis, responded by purchasing pink shirts and encouraging their classmates to wear them as a sign of solidarity. Their simple act of kindness was met with widespread support and helped launch what is now known as Pink Shirt Day.

Since then, Pink Shirt Day has grown into a national and international movement that encourages individuals, schools and communities to stand together against bullying. In Canada, the last Wednesday of February is recognized as Pink Shirt Day, providing an opportunity to reflect on the importance of empathy, acceptance and inclusion. The day serves as a reminder that small actions can have a lasting impact in creating safer, more welcoming spaces for everyone.

Visit the Pink Shirt Day website to learn how you can stand up to bullying and promote inclusion!

Other dates of significance in February:

• World Hijab Day: February 1
• Feeding Tube Awareness Week: February 1 to 7
• Tu BiShvat: February 1 to 2
• Groundhog Day: February 2
• Setsubun: February 3
• Shab-e-Barat: February 3
• Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness Week: February 7 to 14
• International Day of Women and Girls in Science: February 11
• Valentine’s Day: February 14
• Parinirvana Day: February 15
• International Childhood Cancer Day: February 15
• Family Day: February 16
• International Mother Language Day: February 21
• Cochlear Implant Day: February 25
• Eating Disorders Awareness Week: February 23 to March 1
• Rare Disease Day: February 28