“A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it is not open.” - Frank Zappa
“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common… Celebrate it every day.” - Winston Churchill
“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” - Stephen Covey
At the heart of our union lies a commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and vibrant community where every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated. This newsletter serves as a platform to provide you with insights and highlight the ongoing efforts that reflect our dedication to diversity.
Each edition will bring you updates on our programs, spotlights on individuals and teams making a difference, events and resources to help us all grow in our understanding of one another. Together, we can continue to build a culture that embraces the richness of our differences and empowers everyone to thrive. In this events edition, you will find some dates to mark on your calendars for upcoming events and important days to recognize in 2025. If you would like to request a CUPE flag for an upcoming event, send us an email with the event details.
We are in search of a name and logo for this newsletter, please send us an email with any ideas and suggestions, the winning ideas will receive a prize!
2025 Events & Important Dates
Red Dress Day, May 5, 2025 also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People. The day honours and brings awareness to the thousands of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people who have been subject to disproportionate violence in Canada. Red Dress Day was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project installation, in which she hung empty, red dresses to represent the missing and murdered women. Red dresses have become symbolic of the crisis as a result of her installation.
Barrie Pride March, June 7, 2025 www.barriepride.org
Toronto Pride Parade, June 29, 2025 @ 2 p.m. www.pridetoronto.com
Toronto Caribana Weekend, July 31 – August 4, 2025 www.caribanatoronto.com
Global Accessibility Awareness Day – May 15, 2025
International Day of Countering Hate Speech – June 18, 2025
National Indigenous People Day – June 21, 2025
Emancipation Day – August 1, 2025
International Equal Pay Day – September 18, 2025
Orange Shirt Day – September 30, 2025
World Inclusion Day – October 10, 2025
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Woman – November 25,
2025
International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3, 2025
Milestones
150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 5
75th anniversary of Inuit gaining the right to vote in federal elections.
20 years ago, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was signed.
50 years, the United Nations recognized 1975 as International Woman’s Year and began celebrating March 8 as International Woman’s Day.
Please submit stories, pictures and resources to share or let us know what matters to you. Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s celebrate diversity, champion inclusion and drive meaningful change-together.
Contact the Diversity Committee at Diversity CUPE5820@outlook.com
Rich Harvey, Lead
Kavienne Juhmi, Co-Lead