Days of significance: September 2025
Aug. 28, 2025
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 September, find ways to get involved and participate in events or activities, and learn through various resources.
Sept. 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day
Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO). This day is meant to raise awareness about suicide, and its impact globally. Suicide is a serious public health concern – approximately 4,000 Canadians per year die by suicide, and 700, 000 globally. Every suicide has far-reaching effects, significantly impacting individuals and communities. Like last year, this year’s theme Changing the Narrative on Suicide aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage open and vulnerable conversations to prevent suicide. Suicide for many years has been a taboo topic, one that we stay silent about, or don’t name out of fear and discomfort. Now more than ever, we need to start the conversation and work on shifting the narrative to one that is supportive, understanding and encourages help seeking.
Build awareness
- Take the Living Works Start training. A one-hour online training session that teaches participants how to recognize when someone is thinking about suicide and connect that person to help and support. The training includes a four-step model to keep someone safe and gives participants a chance to practice these steps through simulated impactful situations. Georgian’s Mental Health and Well-being (MHWB) team has 20 licenses available on a first come, first served basis. Email mhwb@georgiancollege.ca to request a license. Anyone can take the training at a cost, but Georgian College students and employees can take the training for free with one of our licenses.
- The MHWB team aims to facilitate Living Work’s, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to employees during study weeks. If you’re interested in taking this training, email mhwb@georgiancollege.ca to be added to our list for future trainings. For Georgian College employees only.
- Check out IASP’s podcast, Reach in, Reach out. This series aims to encourage understanding around the complexities of suicide, reduce stigma surrounding the topic and spark meaningful conversations.
Connect students with resources
- Supports and services.
- Who to call: Identifying and responding to persons in distress.
- Learn more about after hours support like 9-8-8 the suicide crisis helpline.
Sept. 21 to 27 – Gender Equality Week
Gender Equality Week is Sept. 21 to 27. It’s a time to reflect on the progress Canada has made while recognizing the challenges that remain. From women’s suffrage in 1918 to the election of the first female prime minister in 1993 and the 2017 pay equity legislation, important milestones have shaped our path forward. Still, achieving true equality requires continued effort.
Despite these advances, women in Canada face persistent barriers. On average, women earn $43,200 annually compared to $59,200 for men, a $16,000 gap. They’re overrepresented in part-time and lower-paying sectors such as healthcare, education and food services, and underrepresented in higher-paying fields like science and technology. Systemic inequities also disproportionately affect Indigenous women, women with disabilities, immigrants and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, who face additional barriers to financial security and career advancement.
At the current pace, gender equality may not be achieved in our lifetime. Addressing this requires dismantling systemic barriers, rethinking entrenched norms, and working collaboratively to create lasting change.
Georgian’s commitment
As part of the federal 50-30 Challenge, Georgian has pledged to reach 50 per cent gender parity and 30 per cent representation of underrepresented groups in leadership. This commitment reflects our accountability and our role in advancing equity and inclusion both within our community and across the sector.
Looking ahead
Gender Equality Week is a reminder to celebrate progress while recommitting to the work ahead. Real change begins with awareness, grows through collaboration, and succeeds when everyone takes part. Together, we can build a future rooted in equity and inclusion.
How to engage
- Listen to The Guilty Feminist podcast – A witty and insightful podcast that explores the complexities of gender equality with humour and heart.
- Watch We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – A powerful talk on the importance of gender equality and the role we can all play in achieving it.
- Read Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez – This book sheds light on how gender bias influences everything from the workplace to health care, making it a must-read for those committed to equality.
- Explore the Women in Canada: A Gender-based Statistical Report.
Sept. 23 – International Day of Sign Languages
On Sept. 23 the International Day of Sign Languages celebrates and protects the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of more than 70 million Deaf people worldwide, who collectively use over 300 sign languages. Recognized by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, sign languages hold equal status to spoken languages and are vital to education, human rights, and community identity. Learn more about International Day of Sign Languages.
Sept. 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Sept. 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, a nationally recognized day to reflect on the enduring impacts of the residential school system and to honour the survivors, their families and communities. This year is significant as it marks the fifth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the 13th observance of Orange Shirt Day. This day is more than a commemoration – it’s a call to action, a time to engage meaningfully in truth-telling, healing and reconciliation. We’re all responsible for walking this path, not only today, but every day.
In the lead-up to this important day, events will be held across the country, including at Georgian College campuses to promote awareness and meaningful action. This month, the Survivors’ Flag or Every Child Matters flag will be raised at each of our campuses as a reminder of our collective responsibility to truth and reconciliation.