Multicultural Calendar

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November Significant Observances

NOTE: The Multicultural Calendars are educational and informational resources only. They are not intended to be, nor should be relied upon as an authority on significant days of observance or to guide accommodation decisions. If you require information and advice about the accommodation of religious, cultural and significant observances, please consult the Ontario Human Rights Commission website.

While all efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of these dates, the actual day of observance may vary.

We rely on the expertise of our community and faith groups to assist in making our list as accurate and representative as possible. Please send any feedback, updates or corrections to diversity@durham.ca.

Hindu Heritage Month - November
Each November is proclaimed as Hindu Heritage Month by both Ontario and Canada. During this month we recognize the significant contributions from Hindu communities to the fabric of this country and across all fields. Learn more about Hindu Heritage Month.
Lebanese Heritage Month - November
Each November, we recognize and celebrate Lebanese communities and their many contributions to Canada’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric. November is a significant month as it also commemorates Lebanese Independence. Learn more about Lebanese Heritage Month.
Albanian Heritage Month - November
November is a significant month for Albanian communities as it recognizes Albanian Independence. This is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations on the social, economic, political and cultural contributions of Albanian communities to Canada. Learn more about Albanian Heritage Month.
Treaties Recognition Week - November 3 to 9
The first week of November is declared as Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario. This annual week honours the importance of treaties and encourages us to learn more about treaty rights and how to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. This is an important step in actively participating in reconciliation. Learn more about Treaties Recognition Week.
Inuit Day - November 7
November 7 is recognized as Inuit Day. The circumpolar region celebrates the history, heritage and culture of the Inuit. This date has been selected as it is the birthday of Eben Hopson Sr., an advocate and leader who helped found the Inuit Circumpolar Council. Learn more about Inuit Day.
National Indigenous Veterans Day - November 8
Each year on November 8 we celebrate and recognize the Indigenous Veterans who have served in the Canadian military. National Indigenous Veterans Day honours the important contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis veterans and remembers those who lost their lives, and those whose lives were forever changed. Learn more about National Indigenous Veterans Day.
Remembrance Day - November 11
November 11 is Remembrance Day. Every year on this day, Canadians pause to remember those who have served and continue to serve our country in times of war, conflict and peace. Learn more about Remembrance Day.
Guru Nanak Jayanti - November 15
Guru Nanak Jayanti takes place on November 15. It is a sacred festival in Sikhism that celebrates the first Sikh Guru. Learn more about Guru Nanak Jayanti
Louis Riel Day - November 16
Louis Riel Day takes place on November 16 each year across the Métis homelands. Riel led Métis people in a resistance against oppression and advocated for the protection of Métis culture and language. This day marks Riel’s unjust execution in 1885 and is a day to celebrate the continuing progress of Métis people. Learn more about Louis Riel Day.
International Day for Tolerance - November 16
November 16 has been proclaimed International Day for Tolerance by the United Nations. Tolerance means having respect, acceptance and appreciation for the rich and unique cultures around us; and the forms of expression and ways of being a human. Durham Region reaffirms its commitment to recognizing and upholding the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of all. Learn more about International Day for Tolerance.
World Children's Day - November 20
World Children’s Day falls on November 20 each year. On this day, we commemorate the Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the United Nations. This day serves as an opportunity to honour and celebrate children, and to promote awareness of the lawful rights of children. Learn more about World Children’s Day.
Trans Day of Remembrance - November 20
November 20 is proclaimed as Trans Day of Remembrance each year in Ontario. We publicly mourn and honour the lives of those who might otherwise be forgotten. This day encourages us to stand in vigil with trans folks and allies, and to renew our commitment to respect and advocate for trans communities. The Region is committed to amplifying voices from, and reducing barriers faced by, trans communities. Learn more about Trans Day of Remembrance.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - November 25
All over the world, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed on November 25. This day aims to raise public awareness around gender-based violence through organized activities. The focus is on the importance of financing different prevention strategies to stop violence from occurring in the first place. Learn more about International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Hindu Heritage Month - November

Each November is proclaimed as Hindu Heritage Month by both Ontario and Canada. During this month we recognize the significant contributions from Hindu communities to the fabric of this country and across all fields. Learn more about Hindu Heritage Month.

Lebanese Heritage Month - November

Each November, we recognize and celebrate Lebanese communities and their many contributions to Canada’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric. November is a significant month as it also commemorates Lebanese Independence. Learn more about

Lebanese Heritage Month.

Albanian Heritage Month - November

November is a significant month for Albanian communities as it recognizes Albanian Independence. This is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations on the social, economic, political and cultural contributions of Albanian communities to Canada. Learn more about Albanian Heritage Month.

Treaties Recognition Week - November 3 to 9

The first week of November is declared as Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario. This annual week honours the importance of treaties and encourages us to learn more about treaty rights and how to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. This is an important step in actively participating in reconciliation. Learn more about Treaties Recognition Week.

Inuit Day - November 7

November 7 is recognized as Inuit Day. The circumpolar region celebrates the history, heritage and culture of the Inuit. This date has been selected as it is the birthday of Eben Hopson Sr., an advocate and leader who helped found the Inuit Circumpolar Council. Learn more about Inuit Day.

National Indigenous Veterans Day - November 8

Each year on November 8 we celebrate and recognize the Indigenous Veterans who have served in the Canadian military. National Indigenous Veterans Day honours the important contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis veterans and remembers those who lost their lives, and those whose lives were forever changed. Learn more about National Indigenous Veterans Day.

Remembrance Day - November 11

November 11 is Remembrance Day. Every year on this day, Canadians pause to remember those who have served and continue to serve our country in times of war, conflict and peace. Learn more about Remembrance Day.

Guru Nanak Jayanti - November 15

Guru Nanak Jayanti takes place on November 15. It is a sacred festival in Sikhism that celebrates the first Sikh Guru. Learn more about Guru Nanak Jayanti

Louis Riel Day - November 16

Louis Riel Day takes place on November 16 each year across the Métis homelands. Riel led Métis people in a resistance against oppression and advocated for the protection of Métis culture and language. This day marks Riel’s unjust execution in 1885 and is a day to celebrate the continuing progress of Métis people. Learn more about Louis Riel Day.

International Day for Tolerance - November 16

November 16 has been proclaimed International Day for Tolerance by the United Nations. Tolerance means having respect, acceptance and appreciation for the rich and unique cultures around us; and the forms of expression and ways of being a human. Durham Region reaffirms its commitment to recognizing and upholding the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of all. Learn more about International Day for Tolerance.

World Children's Day - November 20

World Children’s Day falls on November 20 each year. On this day, we commemorate the Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the United Nations. This day serves as an opportunity to honour and celebrate children, and to promote awareness of the lawful rights of children. Learn more about World Children’s Day.

Trans Day of Remembrance - November 20

November 20 is proclaimed as Trans Day of Remembrance each year in Ontario. We publicly mourn and honour the lives of those who might otherwise be forgotten. This day encourages us to stand in vigil with trans folks and allies, and to renew our commitment to respect and advocate for trans communities. The Region is committed to amplifying voices from, and reducing barriers faced by, trans communities. Learn more about Trans Day of Remembrance.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - November 25

All over the world, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed on November 25. This day aims to raise public awareness around gender-based violence through organized activities. The focus is on the importance of financing different prevention strategies to stop violence from occurring in the first place. Learn more about International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.