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Hello Regional Staff,
There are many dates of significance taking place each month that provide us with an opportunity to recognize, learn, reflect, and take action to ensure that Waterloo Region is a safe, caring, and welcoming place for all.
This e-mail provides information about:
- World Aids Day (December 1) and Indigenous Aids Awareness Week (Dec 1-7)
- International Day for the Abolition of Slavery (Dec 2)
- International Day for Persons with Disabilities (Dec 3)
- National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (Dec 6)
- Hanukkah (evening of Dec 7 to Dec 15)
- Bodhi Day (December 8)
- Human Rights Day (Dec 10)
- International Migrants Day (Dec 18)
- Dongzhi Festival and Winter Solstice (Dec 21)
- Christmas (Dec 25)
- Kwanzaa (begins Dec 26)
If you have ideas for days of significance you would like included in these monthly emails, please send an email to our equity inbox.
World Aids Day (December 1) and Indigenous Aids Awareness Week (Dec 1-7)
On World Aids Day we work to increase awareness of HIV and AIDS, their effects on communities, and to reduce stigma. It is also a time to remember the people we have lost and reflect on the AIDS epidemic.
Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week starts on World AIDS Day and runs from December 1 to 7. Its purpose is to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS in Indigenous populations as they are disproportionately impacted by the virus. The week focuses on education and prevention within Indigenous communities as well as reducing stigma and discrimination around HIV/AIDS.
Learn More:
Ideas for Action:
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery (Dec 2)
This annual observance focuses on eliminating modern forms of slavery including forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking.
Learn More:
Ideas for Action:
- Purchase products that have ‘fair trade’ labels. This ensures that the products were produced in ethical conditions.
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Learn the warning signs that someone may be a victim of human trafficking.
International Day for Persons with Disabilities (Dec 3)
On IDPD we focus on raising awareness of disabilities and promoting the dignity, rights and wellbeing of people with disabilities.
Learn More:
Ideas for Action:
- Have a conversation with your team about identifying and removing any barriers to the programs, services, information you share as part of your work at the Region.
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If time permits, join Waterloo Public Library in partnership with the City of Waterloo on Dec 1 from noon to 1pm for a discussion about ensuring about ensuring a more equitable and accessible city, and Region of Waterloo. Register Here.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (Dec 6)
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women is a day commemorated in Canada each year on December 6, the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre.
In addition to drawing attention to gender-based violence, this day is a time to mourn those who have lost their lives to violence including the 14 women killed in the Polytechnique Montréal attack on December 6, 1989.
The day is also about taking action to end gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence disproportionately impacts people facing multiple intersecting grounds of oppression. LEAF Women’s Legal Education and Action shares the following facts about disproportionate impacts:
- Indigenous women are six times more likely to be killed than non-Indigenous women.
- Women living with a disability are almost two times as likely as women without a disability to experience violent crime and sexual assault.
- A third of racialized trans and non-binary people have reported having been sexually assaulted, compared to a quarter of non-racialized trans people.
Also, the prevalence of intimate partner violence in Waterloo Region has continued to increase steadily over the last decade and racialized women and Indigenous women experience disproportionately high rates of intimate partner violence. Indigenous women are 12 times more likely to be murdered or missing than any other women in Canada.
Women, girls, and gender-diverse people have the right to be free from violence. They deserve to be safe and respected.
Municipalities in Waterloo Region have joined other municipalities across Canada in declaring that intimate partner violence and violence against women is an epidemic. The Region of Waterloo, City of Kitchener, City of Cambridge, City of Waterloo and the Township of Woolwich have all made the declaration.
Local municipalities will call on the province to follow suit and Regional Council will support the inclusion of intimate partner violence as a priority in the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.
Learn More:
Ideas for Action:
- Honour the victims and Survivors of the tragedy at the École Polytechnique de Montréal by wearing a white ribbon and observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. on Dec 6.
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Educate yourself on gender-based violence. Learn the facts about Gender-Based Violence.
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Learn about 16 ways to end gender-based violence.
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If you support people who have experienced trauma, sign up for a new Learning at Work course on Trauma Informed Care. Workshops are taking place Dec 13, 14 and 19.
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Subscribe to the Region’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Newsletter to learn more about the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan and opportunities to get involved in the work.
- Attend a December National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women event (see events below):
- A vigil organized by CFUW K-W (formerly the Canadian Federation of University Women) will take place on December 6 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at St. Columba Anglican Church, 250 Lincoln Road in Waterloo.
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National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women Breakfast, hosted by KW Kitchener-Waterloo, December 6, Breakfast: 8 am at The Walper Hotel with keynote speaker Laura Mae Lindo, Walk: 9 am Ceremony at Vogelsang Green. Click here for more details and to register.
Hanukkah (evening of Dec 7 to Dec 15)
Hanukkah (Chanukah) is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays. Hanukkah is an eight-day “festival of lights” that for many people falls during the darkest, coldest season of the year. Hanukkah is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods.
Learn More:
Ideas for Action:
- Wish a Happy Hanukkah to all those who are celebrating.
- Where possible, avoid scheduling events during Hanukkah.
Bodhi Day (Dec 8)
This Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day Buddha experienced enlightenment. Celebrants may meditate, study the Dharma (teachings of Buddha), chant sutras, hold services to commemorate Buddha’s achievement of enlightenment, decorate a Bodhi tree, or eat a traditional meal of rice and milk or Bodhi tree shaped cookies.
Learn More:
Human Rights Day (Dec 10)
Dec 10, 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR shares the rights that all human beings are entitled to. The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 and sets out essential human rights to be universally protected.
Learn more:
Ideas for Action:
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Spread the word. Use the United Nations Human Rights Day social media engagement cards featuring the visual identity and inspiring messages for the campaign. Get the cards here.
- Think about the human rights that resonate with you, claim them and stand up for dignity, freedom and justice for all.
- Consider hosting Public Readings of the Declaration. The Declarations 30 articles work well for public readings. To promote visibility, invite a local writer, artist, human rights advocate, leader to share a public reading.
International Migrants Day (Dec 18)
This day acknowledges the important contributions and difficulties faced by over 272 million migrants bravely building new lives across the world.
Learn More:
Ideas for Action:
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The Immigration Partnership and partners are hosting the 2023 Waterloo Region Migration Film Festival (WRMigFest) from December 1st to 18th (International Migrants Day). The goal of the Festival is to pave the way for greater discussion around migration and relocation, by creating safe spaces for respectful interaction and dialogues. For more information about the film festival and film screenings please see https://www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/en/business-opportunities/film_festival.aspx
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As part of the Migration Film Festival, on Monday, December 18 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm, all Regional staff are invited to attend a film screening and panel discussion of the film 19 Days. 19 Days is a short documentary that follows several refugee families during their first 19 days in Canada, as they navigate an unfamiliar terrain that has suddenly become their home. 19 Days reveals the human side of the refugee resettlement process. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. Click Here to register and to learn more about the event.
Winter Solstice (Dec 21)
The winter solstice takes place on Dec 21 in the northern hemisphere and the date marks the 24 hour time period with the fewest daylight hours of the year. The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year and the first day of winter.
Learn More:
Ideas for Action:
Dongzhi Festival (Dec 21)
The Dongzhi Festival is a celebration of the winter solstice, celebrated throughout China and other East Asian communities. The Dongzhi Festival is inspired by the yin and yang philosophy of balance and harmony – the longer days following the solstice mean an increase in positive energy flowing in.
Learn More:
Christmas (Dec 25)
Christmas Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world and is a National Public Holiday in Canada. Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a day for many that is filled with traditions and celebrating with friends and family.
For many Orthodox Christians around the world, Christmas Day is celebrated on or near January 7.
Learn More:
Ideas for Action:
- Join the Waterloo Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dec 1, 7pm. Join Santa, Mayor Dorothy McCabe, and the Uptown BIA as the Uptown Christmas tree is lit up in the Waterloo Public Square.
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Participate in Starry Night, one of the Region’s most sought after holiday events taking place at Doon Heritage Village, Ken Seiling Waterloo Region museum on Saturday, Dec 16 from 7-9pm. Register Here. This is an opportunity to enjoy the sights of a Christmas past as you wander through the Doon Heritage Village.
- Considering donating or volunteering your time to help people in need this holiday season.
Kwanzaa (begins Dec 26)
Kwanzaa is an annual week-long celebration of African culture and traditions. Kwanzaa takes place from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a shared feast called Karamu.
Learn More:
Ideas for Action:
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Children and families are invited to celebrate Kwanzaa at the Kitchener Public Library with friends from Kind Minds Family Wellness. This free celebration is taking place on Saturday, December 16 at 2pm at the Central Library, 85 Queen Street North. See the event webpage for more information.
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