November: Dates of Significance

In November, we acknowledge Indigenous Disability Awareness Month, International Inuit Day, Diwali, Remembrance Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and more.

Below, read more about each date of significance, written by members of our Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

Indigenous Disability Awareness Month

November is Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM), a time to reflect on the unique experiences and contributions of Indigenous people with disabilities. Established in 2015 by Indigenous Disability Canada and the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society, IDAM raises awareness of the social, economic and cultural contributions Indigenous persons with disabilities make to their communities while also highlighting the challenges they face.

More than 30 per cent of Indigenous Canadians aged 15 and older experience some form of disability, a rate higher than the general population. This highlights the need for inclusive, culturally appropriate services that address both disability and the additional barriers Indigenous people face, including systemic discrimination, limited childcare and transportation, and gaps in accessible supports. These challenges are rooted in the social determinants of health and are deepened by the ongoing effects of colonialism on mental and physical well-being.

For details on supporting IDAM or further information on the awareness month, please visit https://www.bcands.bc.ca/.

International Inuit Day: November 7

November 7 is a day to honour the Inuit peoples on Turtle Island, as well as remember Eben Hopson, the founder of the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC). This day celebrates the identities, languages and cultures of the Inuit peoples. The council represents more than 160,000 Inuit across Canada and the United States. Inuit Nunangat, or Inuit homeland, spans Canada, the United States, Russia and Greenland. The ICC supports Inuit and advocates for their rights at an international level.

Inuit were recognized as a distinct group of Indigenous peoples in Canada, separate from Métis and First Nations, in 1982. Being Indigenous peoples from the North means facing unique challenges and experiences. For example, harsh weather, reduced access to services and limited access to affordable food and other necessities.

Check out this video by Braden Kadlun to learn more about the Inuit.

Diwali: November 8

Diwali or Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a five-day festival that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Observed by millions across Canada and around the world, the celebration includes lighting oil lamps called diyas, decorating homes, sharing festive meals and exchanging gifts. The holiday often features fireworks and prayers honouring Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity.

While Diwali is rooted in Hindu tradition, it is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists, each with unique historical and spiritual meanings. Sikhs mark the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment, while Jains observe the anniversary of Lord Mahavira’s attainment of nirvana. Across faiths, Diwali is a time of joy, reflection and renewal, bringing communities together in celebration.

Remembrance Day: November 11

Remembrance Day is observed annually in many Commonwealth countries, including Canada, to honour those who lost their lives in military service and to recognize the contributions of all who served during times of war. In Canada, it takes place each year on November 11, marking the anniversary of the 1918 Armistice that ended the First World War.

Across the country, the day is marked with public ceremonies and church services, often featuring the playing of the “Last Post,” the reading of the fourth stanza of the poem For the Fallen, and a two-minute silence at 11 a.m. Wreaths are laid at war memorials, and schools hold assemblies to reflect on the sacrifices made.

Transgender Day of Remembrance: November 20

November 20 marks Transgender Day of Remembrance. The day honours transgender and gender-diverse individuals whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence. This year’s theme, “Lives Remembered, Futures Reclaimed,” highlights the importance of creating safe, affirming spaces for all children and youth, particularly those who are transgender, non-binary, or questioning.

At Grandview Kids, we are committed to inclusion, compassion, and advocacy through our practices and initiatives led by the IDEA Committee. TDOR is both a day of mourning and a call to action. Supporting transgender youth includes using inclusive language, providing gender-affirming care, and educating ourselves and others. Through reflection, creative expression, or connecting families with supportive services, we honour those lost and work toward a future where every child feels seen, safe, and supported.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: November 25

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed annually on November 25. Designated by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1999, the day aims to raise global awareness about the violence women and girls face and to promote advocacy for their rights.

The day also marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign that runs from November 25 to December 10. Launched in 1991, the campaign serves as a strategy to unite individuals, organizations and governments in the fight to eliminate violence against women and girls. It aligns with key international observances, beginning with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ending on Human Rights Day, to emphasize that gender-based violence is a human rights violation.