Days of significance: November 2026

Oct. 28, 2026

Equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDI&B) is a strategic priority at Georgian. We’re dedicated to fostering a learning and working environment where everyone feels seen, heard and knows they belong through demonstrable, accountable and system-wide commitments to diversity, de-colonization, anti-racism, equity and inclusion. This days of significance calendar lists the days and months that are recognized within the Georgian community.

There are several dates each month that are recognized, observed and celebrated across Canada and internationally, and we encourage everyone to self-educate by referring to these great resources:

• Canadian important and commemorative days.
• UN International Days and Weeks.
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion diversity calendar.

Discover what’s going on in November, find ways to get involved and participate in events or activities, and learn through various resources.

Nov. 1 to 7 – Treaties Recognition Week

Each year, the first week of November marks Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario. This is an important time to deepen our understanding of the treaties that continue to shape the relationships between Indigenous Peoples, the land, and all who now call this place home. Established in 2016, this was the first legislation of its kind in Canada, recognizing the need for greater public awareness of Treaty rights and responsibilities. 

This annual observance encourages students, educators, and communities across Ontario to learn about the treaties that govern our shared relationships. By understanding our collective treaty rights and obligations, we can strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and contribute to a more informed and respectful future. 

We’re all treaty people

There are 46 treaties that cover the province of Ontario, several of which apply to the lands where Georgian College campuses are located. In this context, it’s important to remember that we’re all treaty people with obligations to uphold. 

Treaties between Indigenous Nations and the Crown made the settlement of what is now Canada possible – without these agreements, there would be no “Canada” as we know it today. 

However, the treaty relationship remains unequal. While most non-Indigenous Canadians have benefitted from the land and resources made available through treaties, many treaty promises made to Indigenous Peoples have not been upheld. 

It’s time to honour the spirit and intent of these treaties – in action, not just words. 

Nov. 7 – International Inuit Day

International Inuit Day honours Inuit across the circumpolar world and celebrates their identities, languages, and cultures. 

First proclaimed in 2006 by the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC), this day coincides with the birthday of ICC founder Eben Hopson, an Alaskan Inuk leader who believed deeply in the power of Inuit speaking with a united voice. Today, approximately 180,000 Inuit living across Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and Russia are recognized and celebrated. 

Inuit across the circumpolar world 

• Canada is home to nearly 70 per cent of Inuit, living across Inuit Nunangat—Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region—where more than 70,000 Inuit speak one of five dialects of Inuktitut.
• Greenland has approximately 50,000 Inuit, most of whom speak Kalaallisut, the country’s official language used in schools and media.
• Alaska is home to the Iñupiat and Yupik peoples, who live across dozens of communities and speak several Yupik languages related to Inuktitut.
• Russia is home to the Chukchi and Siberian Yupik (Yuit) peoples, many of whom live in the Chukotka region and along the Bering Sea coast.

Honouring Inuit knowledge, culture, and leadership 

Since time immemorial, Inuit have been stewards of the Arctic, shaping their homelands through deep relationships with land, water, and ice. International Inuit Day is an opportunity to honour this knowledge and celebrate Inuit languages, art, storytelling, and leadership. 

We encourage you to learn from and uplift Inuk artists, authors, filmmakers, scholars, and storytellers who continue to share their cultures and perspectives with the world.

Nov. 8 – Indigenous Veterans Day

Honouring First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Veterans 

Every year on November 8, Canada observes National Indigenous Veterans Day, a day dedicated to honouring the service, sacrifice, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Veterans. Established in 1994, this day recognizes not only their extraordinary contributions to Canada’s military efforts, but also the historical inequities many faced during and after their service. 

A legacy of service and sacrifice 

Indigenous Peoples have served in every major conflict involving Canada, including the War of 1812, the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and more recent operations in Afghanistan. Their involvement dates back generations, with more than 4,000 Indigenous members serving in the First World War and over 3,000 First Nations members serving in the Second World War, alongside Inuit and Métis soldiers. It’s estimated that over 12,000 Indigenous people served in the 20th century, with 500 making the ultimate sacrifice. 

Indigenous soldiers brought with them skills deeply rooted in their cultures and communities—marksmanship, tracking, navigation, and terrain awareness—that proved invaluable on the front lines. During the Second World War, Indigenous languages such as Cree were used to encode military communications, protecting critical information from enemy interception. 

Service without equal recognition 

Despite standing shoulder to shoulder with non‑Indigenous soldiers, many Indigenous Veterans returned home to a country that did not honour them equally. They were denied the same benefits, land grants, and reintegration supports provided to other Veterans. These injustices compounded the systemic harms already experienced by Indigenous communities. 

National Indigenous Veterans Day acknowledges both their bravery and the inequities they endured. It’s a day to honour their heroism on the battlefield and their resilience in confronting discrimination at home. 

Why this day matters 

National Indigenous Veterans Day exists because, for too long, Indigenous Veterans did not receive the recognition they deserved. This day ensures their stories are told, their sacrifices remembered, and their contributions honoured. 

It’s also a reminder of the ongoing responsibility to address the historical and systemic injustices Indigenous Veterans faced—and to ensure future generations understand their legacy. 

Honouring Indigenous Veterans at Georgian 

In recognition of National Indigenous Veterans Day, Georgian College will lower its flags from sunrise to sunset to honour and express gratitude for the service of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Veterans. 

You can also show your support by purchasing an Indigenous Veterans’ Day Poppy at Georgian Stores.  

To learn more about the significance of this day and the sacrifices made, read 14 Facts You May Not Know About Contributions of Indigenous Veterans 

Nov. 9 to 15 – Rock Your Mocs Week

Strengthening Indigenous visibility and cultural unity 

Nov. 9 to 15 is Rock Your Mocs Week, a global celebration of Indigenous cultures, identities, and pride expressed through traditional footwear. 

Established in 2011, Rock Your Mocs began as a virtual grassroots movement that brought Indigenous communities together. Originally observed on Nov. 15, it has since expanded into a full week of recognition that celebrates and unites Indigenous cultures worldwide. The movement encourages Indigenous people everywhere to wear their moccasins (or other traditional footwear) and share their stories, regalia, and culture with one another and with the world. 

What can you expect? 

Throughout the week, you’ll likely see social media filled with photos of beautifully crafted moccasins, often shared using the hashtag #RockYourMocs. The purpose of the movement is to foster Indigenous unity through cultural expression. Some individuals participate for a single day, while others wear their moccasins all week—there are no rules on how you choose to take part. 

As more people join Rock Your Mocs, meaningful spaces for engagement, celebration, storytelling, and education continue to grow. The movement also invites non‑Indigenous allies to learn, engage respectfully, and help normalize the visibility of Indigenous traditions. 

About ‘Moccasins’ 

Moccasins are traditional footwear made by many Indigenous peoples in Canada, typically crafted from animal hides such as moose, deer, elk, or caribou. Their design varies by region: soft‑soled moccasins were suited for use with snowshoes in northern climates, while hard‑soled versions were common on the plains to withstand rocky terrain. Europeans adopted moccasins during the fur trade because of their durability and practicality. 

Traditionally made by Indigenous women, moccasins were created by preparing and smoking animal hides, then stitching them with sinew. Styles differed based on climate, purpose, and cultural tradition, with variations in height, lining, and construction. 

Moccasins have long been decorated with materials such as quillwork, paint, fringe, and later, European‑introduced items like glass beads and silk thread. Designs often reflect cultural identity, community, or personal history. 

Today, moccasins remain both functional footwear and significant pieces of Indigenous artistry. Many are preserved in museums, and knowledge of moccasin‑making continues to be passed down through elders and artists, helping sustain and celebrate Indigenous cultural traditions. 

To learn more about moccasins and the significance of First Nations footwear, watch this video: Making Mukluks and Connecting Cultures

Nov. 11 – Remembrance Day

We remember all veterans who’ve served and those who’ve returned home injured. We keep them close to our hearts. 

We remember our Canadian soldiers and members of the army, air force, navy and merchant marines. We acknowledge their bravery, courage and ultimate sacrifice – giving their lives for our freedom. 

We remember the people who currently serve Canada both here and overseas. We think often of them, their families and loved ones. 

We remember our own personal and community losses – losses that, for many, remain deep.

We continue to be grateful and ever mindful of the service and contributions others have made – and continue to make – to Canada.

We choose never to forget.

Nov. 20 – Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) has been observed around the world on Nov. 20 since 1999. It was started by trans advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honour the life of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman whose brutal murder in 1998 was largely ignored by the media. Smith and other activists organized a vigil to remember Rita and all transgender, Two-Spirit, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming people whose lives were taken by transphobia and anti-trans violence. 

Since then, TDOR has grown into a global day of reflection. It’s a time to remember those lost, recognize the ongoing reality of anti-trans violence, and renew our shared commitment to creating safer and more inclusive communities. 

The violence is real 

Violence and discrimination against transgender and gender-diverse people is not decreasing, it’s rising. Behind every deadly statistic was a person who deserved to live freely and safely. 

Did you know?

• About 75,000 people in Canada identify as transgender or gender diverse, which is roughly one in 400 adults. 

• Hate crimes in Canada related to sexual orientation rose by 69 per cent in just one year. 

• Nearly six in 10 transgender and gender-diverse people have faced violent victimization, compared to four in 10 cisgender people. 

• Transgender and gender-diverse people are twice as likely to experience unwanted sexual behaviour in public or at work. 

• Four in 10 transgender and gender-diverse people have experienced online harassment, compared to two in 10 cisgender people.

These numbers represent real people: students, neighbours, colleagues and friends whose safety and belonging must matter to all of us. 

Acknowledging broader experiences of violence 

Violence against gender-diverse people affects not only transgender individuals but also non-binary and Two-Spirit people who face their own unique challenges. For Two-Spirit people, whose identities are deeply connected to Indigenous cultures and spiritual traditions, these harms are made worse by the ongoing impacts of colonization. Remembering and uplifting all gender-diverse communities strengthens our collective effort to build equity and inclusion. 

Reflect, learn and act 

TDOR is not only a time to mourn. It’s also a call to act. We honour those we have lost by challenging discrimination, speaking out against hate, and creating spaces where everyone can be their full self. 

Georgian College stands in solidarity with our 2SLGBTQIA+ community and remains committed to fostering a campus where every person, regardless of gender identity or expression, is treated with respect, dignity, and care.

Nov. 25 – 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign running from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10. It raises awareness, challenges discrimination, and calls for action to end gender-based violence. 

The 2026 theme, Ensure justice, protect survivors, end impunity, emphasizes the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, protecting survivors, and ensuring access to justice and support services. 

Why Nov. 25 to Dec. 10? 

The campaign begins on Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, established by the United Nations in 1999 to honour the Mirabal sisters, who were murdered in the Dominican Republic in 1960. 

It concludes on Dec. 10, Human Rights Day, which marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.  This document outlines fundamental human rights to be universally protected.  

In Canada, Dec. 6 is also the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, honouring the 14 women murdered at École Polytechnique in Montréal in 1989. 
 
During the 16 Days of Activism, people around the world unite to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes and call for improved laws and services to end violence against women. 

Gender-based violence: facts and figures 

• Nearly one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence during their lifetime. 

• Approximately 50,000 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members worldwide in 2024—an average of 140 per day. 

• Women who suffer multiple forms of discrimination face a higher risk of violence. 

• Learn more 

These statistics highlight the urgent need for prevention, survivor support, and perpetrator accountability. 

How can we take action? 

Everyone has a role to play in ending gender-based violence. We can act by: 

• Raising awareness and sharing reliable information. 

• Listening to and supporting survivors without judgment. 

• Attend a Vigil and wear a white ribbon in honor of Dec. 6, National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.   

• Use or wear the colour orange as a symbol of hope and a future free of violence against women. 

• Use your voice, join the conversation from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 using the hashtag #16Days  

Everyone deserves to live free from violence. Together, we can help create safer, more inclusive communities for all.