Recognizing Diversity

Easter is a Christian celebration, usually in April, of the day when Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth came back from the dead. Remembering the resurrection of Jesus is a way to renew daily hope that we have victory over sin. Easter follows a period of fasting called Lent, in which many churches set aside time for repentance and remembrance. 

Easter, like Christmas, has accumulated many traditions, some have little to do with the religious aspect but derive from folk customs of the past. For many of us, the first image of Easter that comes to mind is the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs. So how did a rabbit distributing eggs become a part of Easter?

There are several reasons for the rabbit, or hare, to be associated with Easter, all of which come through pagan celebrations or beliefs. The most obvious is the hare’s fertility as rabbits usually give birth to a big litter of babies (called kittens), so they became a symbol of new life. Easter comes during spring and celebrates new life. The hare is also an ancient symbol for the moon. The date of Easter depends on the moon. This may have helped the hare to be absorbed into Easter celebrations.

In Southern Germany, the first pastry and candy Easter bunnies became popular at the beginning of the nineteenth century. This custom also crossed the Atlantic, and children (and adults) still eat candy rabbits – particularly chocolate ones – at Easter.

The easter egg hunt, seems to have multiple origins. For example, the New York Times 1899 article notes that in "In Scotland, it used to be the custom on Easter Sunday for young people to go out early in the morning to search for the eggs of various wild fowls for breakfast, it being though most lucky to find them."

Legend has it that the Easter Bunny lays, decorates and hides eggs as they are also a symbol of new life.

For all those who celebrate, Happy Easter!

March 22 - April 20, 2023: Ramadan

Happy Ramadan to those who observe!

Ramadan is recognized by approximately 1.8 billion Muslims around the world and is a month-long religious celebration. Wherever Muslims may be, either in their home country or abroad, the practice of Ramadan is the same.

Ramadan is observed to detoxify one's soul, make time for spiritual reflection, self-control, worship, and make universal connection. To personally benefit from the goal of observing Ramadan, Muslims need to follow certain practices for this month-long holy observance. Healthy adult Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan from dawn until dusk. This includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran and charity are also encouraged during the holy month.

As the Islamic calendar is based around the lunar cycle, the Holy month of Ramadan rotates by approximately ten days each year. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin the evening of Wednesday, March 22, 2023 until the Evening of Thu, Apr 20, 2023, depending on the sighting of the moon.

On the first day of Ramadan, it is customary to wish someone a 'Happy Ramadan' by saying 'Ramadan Mubarak'. Alternatively, you can say 'Ramadan Kareem' which translates into 'Have a generous Ramadan'.

To learn more about the dos and don’ts during Ramadan read this article by Dr Omar Ayoub who has more than 10 years of experience working in Saudi Arabia in tourism, hospitality, education, technology and retail sector.

Day of Pink originated in 2007 when two Nova Scotian highschool students, David Shepherd and Travis Price, witnessed a Grade 9 student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt. The bullies physically threatened the boy and taunted him using homophobic slurs.

In response, David and Travis purchased and distributed 50 pink shirts, which they encouraged peers to wear the next day. This act of kindness and solidarity started an international campaign. 

Today, everyone is invited to wear pink shirts to take a stand against homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic bullying.

Days of significance are an important way to raise awareness and support Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ communities, but we must all also take action to foster inclusion in our community.

We encourage you to share photos of your Day of Pink with the hashtag #KincardineDayofPink.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has just launched a collection of articles, reports, guidance, templates and concrete examples from local governments across Canada and the world.

These resources are meant to support and inspire municipal stakeholders, including women and gender-diverse individuals of all identities, as well as male allies as they drive change for more equitable, representative local governments.

The topic of this resource library coincides with this year’s International Women’s Day theme which is “Embrace Equity.”

Equity isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have.

A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every community’s DNA.

And it's critical to understand the difference between equity and equality.

It's something we need to think about, know, value and embrace.

The FCM tools and resources help us think about equity and helps to inspire action. 

If you belong to one of these groups, this Resource Library is for you:

• Elected officials

• Local government staff

• Members of municipal committees and other governance bodies

• Members of municipal sector associations (PTAs)

• Members of community organizations

• Municipal election candidates and aspiring leaders

• Anyone interested in inclusive municipal governance 

For those who celebrate: Wishing you a very colourful Holi! 

What is Holi?

Holi celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of Spring, the blossoming of love and for many, it is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships.

In 2023, Holi will be observed on the 7th and 8th of March. The ritual for Holi involves lighting up a bonfire one day before Holi as it signifies the victory of 'good over evil'. 

Which Religion Celebrates Holi Festival?

The Holi Festival is primarily celebrated by Hindus, although the festival is a very inclusive, as one of the main themes of the festival is unity. So, while the Holi Festival is rooted in Hindu tradition, it is a celebration that happens all over the world.

What do people do to celebrate?

On the day of Holi, families and friends gather in their backyards, terraces, neighborhoods, or driveways to play, eat food together and throw and smear colourful powder made of corn starch at each other. Each color carries a meaning. Red, for example, symbolizes love and fertility while green stands for new beginnings. People also splash water on each other in celebration.

Tuesday, March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day. Community Living Kincardine & District challenges the community to wear brightly coloured socks to celebrate inclusion and create awareness of the goals of World Down Syndrome Day. Colourful socks look a little like chromosomes and are a fun way to celebrate. Whatever the colour and design, whether mismatched or matched, socks are socks and people are people, with or without Down syndrome. More information about this challenge is found on the CLKD website.

The idea is to start a conversation, so when people ask you about your socks you can tell them, “I’m wearing them to raise awareness of Down syndrome”.

About World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. March 21 (3.21) was chosen as the date for WDSD to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. What do chromosomes have to do with it? Down Syndrome is the result of a person being born with an extra 21st chromosome (3 instead of 2). 

This year, the theme “With Us, Not For Us” is a reminder that people with Down Syndrome need to be part of the work being done to secure them the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. It is a call for people and organizations to be “:with us and not for us.”  This is a human rights approach to disabilities. It is a commitment to move on from the outdated charity model of disability, where people with disabilities are treated as objects of charity, deserving of pity and needy of support. 

Resources for World Down Syndrome Day

• The Canadian Down Syndrome Society has put together resources to learn more about Down syndrome and also has activities that can be adapted to a variety of ages, such as a slideshow presentation, videos, and other activities. This resource can be found at World Down Syndrome Day 
• You can find a great video explaining Down syndrome produced by the Down Syndrome Research Foundation at What is Down Syndrome?
• The video Just Like You is another great video about Down syndrome, although slightly longer. It is found at Just Like You.
• Members of Waterloo Wellington Down Syndrome Society co-wrote a song with 3x Juno Award-nominated songwriter and music producer Alysha Brilla for World Down Syndrome Day in 2021, celebrating inclusivity. You can find the music video here: 3-2-1 Dance! (Rock Your Socks) - WWDSS featuring Kreative Kash & Ren F. 

The end of Ramadan fasting is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, the “Festival of Fast-Breaking,” which is one of the two major religious holidays of the Muslim calendar. It is a religious festival celebrated by the Muslim community worldwide and is all about happiness, special prayers, gift giving and sharing meals.

Every year, starting on the last Sunday in May, Canadians celebrate National AccessAbility Week (NAAW). National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is a time to celebrate the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and promote efforts to increase accessibility and inclusion in Canada. Did you know that today, roughly one in five Canadians identify as having a disability, and that number is growing as our population ages. 

The Rick Hansen Foundation creates and delivers innovative solutions that lead to a global movement to remove barriers and liberate the potential of people with disabilities. Through the Foundation they have created resources to help break down one of the most fundamental barriers that people with disabilities still face: physical barriers in the places where we live, work, learn and play.

To learn more about these Accessibility Resources visit: 

Accessibility Resources | Rick Hansen Foundation

To learn more about what the Municipality of Kincardine is doing to remove barriers for people living with disabilities see the attached summary visit this page.

Pride Month celebrations were born from the Stonewall Riots of late June 1969. One year late, in June 1970, Stonewall rioters organized a march to Central Park in support of “Gay Pride”, building on the spirit of resistance built through the riots. The march expanded to other cities and grew in popularity throughout the 1970s. 

Kincardine proudly hosts its own Pride Parade every June.

Watch a video of staff painting the Pride Crosswalk:

Indigenous History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the histories, sacrifices, culture, contributions, and strengths of Indigenous Peoples, recognizing that knowledge is a key component of the journey towards reconciliation.

For Indigenous Peoples, the month is an invitation to celebrate history in the spirit of pride and preservation; For non-Indigenous Canadians, it’s an opportunity to learn and recognize the role Indigenous Peoples have played - and continue to play - in shaping Canada. 

Thursday, September 30 marks the #NationalDayforTruthandReconciliation and #OrangeShirtDay. It's a day to honour the First Nation, Métis, and Inuit children who did not return home from Canada's residential schools, to honour the survivors, their families, and their communities.

We hope you'll join us in wearing orange.

We also hope you'll join us beyond September 30, as an ally to Indigenous Peoples year-round.

In the Municipality of Kincardine, the Kincardine Islamic Centre operates as a community centre serving the social service needs of the Muslim community in Kincardine and the surrounding area.

Learn more about the history of Islam in Canada and recognize the many achievements of Muslim Canadians in the arts, sports, academics, sciences, literature and their communities at www.islamichistorymonth.ca. 

Together, we have the opportunity to recognize the ongoing challenges and barriers Muslim Canadians face in the face of racism and hate and work to combat all forms of discrimination, Islamophobia and hate-fueled violence directed at Muslim communities across the country. 

Happy Canadian Islamic History Month!

Deepawali, the Festival of Lights, is an important cultural and religious holiday originating in India. The holiday has many different meanings but one of the key themes of Deepawali is the celebration of the triumph of good over evil.

Deepawali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs around the world and has a lot in common with other global holidays. The gatherings, gift exchanges, fireworks, and lights of Deepawali are reminiscent of other celebrations such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Chinese New Year.

Deepawali has its unique significance, drawing from different legends and traditions of the Vedic era. It's also a time when daylight is really dwindling and the days are growing shorter, especially in the northern hemisphere and end of harvest season. During this relaxing time we are in need of company, light, sweets, and festivities.

You can wish anyone you know, from your neighbours to your coworkers – Happy Deepawali. Wishing everyone Shubh (happy) Deepawali!

The Transgender Day of Remembrance is November 20th and commemorates the trans, two-spirit and non-binary people who have lost their lives to transphobic violence. It also honours those who continue to face violence and discrimination as they work for more just and inclusive communities.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people and publicly mourns and honors the lives of transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.

What does transgender mean? How can you be an ally to transgender people? Learn more about Transgender Day of Remembrance or learn tips when talking about Trans People. 

December 3, is International Day of People with Disabilities - a global event celebrating achievements of people with a disability.

In 1981, the United Nations proclaimed this as a recognized day for the celebration of the achievements of people living with disabilities across the world.

Today, we invite you to raise awareness of the challenges faced by over 1 billion people living with disabilities, and the role communities and societies play in accelerating the eradication of barriers to social inclusion, equity, participation, and citizenship.

For tips to increase equity and inclusion for people with disabilities, take a look at the DEI best practices collection created by Disability:IN: https://lnkd.in/eKqM6N3M.

On December 6, 1989, 14 young women were killed at Polytechnique Montréal because of their gender.

Today, December 6, is recognized as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in remembrance of the victims of that tragedy: Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte, and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights. The 8-day Jewish festival commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on each day – this year until December 26th. People of Jewish faith celebrate by lighting the menorah, playing the game of dreidel and eating special holiday foods like latkes and sufganiyot.

Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Jewish people over persecution and oppression, and the forces of light over darkness. It is a time to celebrate miracles, both big and small, and reflect on how lucky we are to live where religious and cultural freedoms are protected.

To everyone celebrating, Happy Hanukkah! Hanukkah Sameach!

Every year, Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev, a month in the Hebrew calendar. It lasts eight nights (yes, because of the oil), and this year it's from December 18th to the 26th. Learn more about Hanukkah here.

Yuletide

Yuletide’s roots are old and representative of more than one culture. Spanning December 21st to January 1st, the Yuletide refers to the festive season that typically falls between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day or Epiphany. 

Winter Solstice

December 21st is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. Many Indigenous communities acknowledge this day as a time for quiet, reflection, and hope. 

Festivus

Popularized by the sitcom Seinfeld, Festivus is an authentic holiday dating back to 1966. A secular, non-commercial holiday, it is celebrated on December 23rd.

Christmas

December 25th is the annual religious and cultural celebration recognizing the birth of Jesus Christ. Customs associated with the holiday vary between faiths and countries, with households often recognizing their own unique traditions at this time.

Kwanzaa

Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach in 1966, Kwanzaa is an annual week-long celebration that is observed from December 26 to January 1.

Following the Watts Riots that took place in LA Dr Karenga was keen to create an event that would unite African-Americans. He wanted African-Americans to have an opportunity to celebrate themselves and their history instead of imitation of participation of the dominant society. He founded US, a cultural organization, and started to research African first fruit (harvest) celebrations. Karenga combined aspects of several different harvest celebrations, such as those of the Ashanti and those of the Zulu, to form the basis of Kwanzaa.

This celebration is based around seven major principles which are, according to Karenga, a communitarian African philosophy: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. On each of the seven nights of the week long celebration, families gather together and light one of the seven candles of the Kinara. Usually a discussion about the one specific principles takes place.

Kwanzaa also has its own symbols which include: a decorative mat, an ear of corn, crops, the Unity Cup, gifts, the seven candles and candleholder. All the symbols are designed to convey the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Many African-Americans who celebrate Kwanzaa observe it as an additional celebration to Christmas.

To all those celebrating, Happy New Year! Lunar New Year is the beginning of a new year based on the lunar calendar observed as a festival in many cultures. Also known as the Spring Festival, it is celebrated in many Asian countries, including China, Mongolia, Korea, and Vietnam. The festival begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon, 15 days later.

Chinese New Year 2023, falls on Sunday, January 22nd, 2023, and celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 5th, 2023. The Lantern Festival symbolizes reunions, it’s also a time of socializing and freedom. It is an evening where everyone—regardless of age or gender—go out onto the streets to celebrate.

Chinese New Year marks the transition between zodiac signs: 2023 is the year of the Rabbit. Your birth year determines your Chinese zodiac sign. What is your Chinese Zodiac sign? According to the Chinese calendar, the year you were born might determine your personality. That’s because each year is represented by an animal, called a Chinese zodiac sign, and legend has it that people born under that sign have similar traits to the animal.

The year 2023—starting January 22—is the Year of the Rabbit. The sign of Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.

February is Black History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions and accomplishments of the Black community across Canada and here at home.

February is also a time to acknowledge that racism and inequities still exist, reminding us that there is still much work to do to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities in life.

The theme for 2023 is: “Ours to tell”. This theme represents both an opportunity to engage in open dialogue and a commitment to learning more. To continue your learning a digital toolkit was created by the Government of Canada.