Days of significance: November 2025

Oct. 30, 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 November, find ways to get involved and participate in events or activities, and learn through various resour

Nov. 3 to 7 – Treaties Recognition Week

Treaties Recognition Week is a an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the treaties that shape the relationships between what is now known as Canada, Indigenous people, and the land. 

There are 46 treaties across Ontario, six of which apply to the lands on which Georgian College campuses are located, reminding us that we are all treaty people. 

While many non-Indigenous Canadians have benefited from these agreements, most treaty promises to Indigenous Peoples have not been upheld. It’s time for individuals to become more informed and honour the spirit and intent of these treaties – in action, not just words. 

Nov. 7 – International Inuit Day

International Inuit Day is a time to honour the enduring contributions Inuit have made, and continue to make, to the fabric of Canada. It’s a day to celebrate Inuit cultures, recognize their deep connection to the land, and uplift Inuk voices across the country and beyond.

Since time immemorial, the Inuit have been stewards of the North. The Inuit are one of three federally recognized Indigenous groups in Canada, alongside First Nations and Métis. They originate from several Arctic regions, including parts of Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and Russia.

In Canada today, most of the Inuit population lives in 51 communities across Inuit Nunangat – the Inuit homeland, which encompasses approximately 40% of Canada’s landmass and 72% of its coastline.

Inuit Day

Inuit Day was first celebrated on Nov. 7, 2006, when the General Assembly of the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) was instructed to “annually proclaim this day as Inuit Day and conduct appropriate ceremonies and celebrations.”

This day honors the identities, languages, and cultures of more than 160,000 Inuit across the circumpolar world.

Take time to learn from and celebrate Inuk artists, authors, filmmakers, scholars, and storytellers who continue to share their stories, languages, and cultures with the world.

Nov. 8 – Indigenous Veterans Day

National Indigenous Veterans Day is an important day of remembrance that honours the contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people who participated in Canada’s military efforts.  First Nation, Métis and Inuit people  have served in every conflict that Canada has fought including the War of 1812, First World War, Second World War, the Korean War, and in Afghanistan. Indigenous peoples have consistently stepped forward to defend Canada, often volunteering in large numbers despite not being conscripted. 

This day honors the Indigenous men and women who volunteered and fought bravely for freedom and democracy – values they themselves were denied upon their return to Canada. Indigenous veterans returned home to find they were denied the same benefits and respect afforded to non-Indigenous veterans. This day acknowledges those injustices and seeks to correct the historical record.

This day especially commemorates those who made the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives in the fight for the rights and freedoms of others. 

Nov. 9 to 15 – Rock Your Mocs Week

Rock Your Mocs week is a global celebration of Indigenous cultures, identities, and pride through traditional footwear. What started as a grassroots movement in 2011 has grown into a global event that uplifts Indigenous unity, cultural expression, and visibility.

Moccasins are traditional footwear worn by many Indigenous Nations across Turtle Island – including the Anishnaabeg and Haudenosaunee. Moccasins vary in style and meaning, reflecting the land, climate, and cultural traditions of each Nation.

From Nov. 9 to15, Indigenous people around the world wear their moccasins (or other traditional footwear) and share their stories using #RockYourMocs. Rock Your Mocs is a week for celebration, storytelling, and education. It is also a time for non-Indigenous allies to learn and help normalize the visibility of Indigenous traditions.

Learn more about moccasins and the significance of First Nations footwear.

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

On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honour the lives of transgender, non-binary, and 2-Spirit individuals who have been lost to violence, discrimination, and systemic neglect. This solemn day reminds us of the unique challenges these communities face and the ongoing work required to build a world that respects and protects all gender-diverse people.

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) has been observed worldwide on Nov. 20 since 1999. Created by trans advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, TDOR was established to honour the life of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman who was killed in 1998. Rita’s death, like so many others, was largely overlooked by the media. In response, Smith and other activists organized TDOR as a vigil to commemorate not only Rita but all transgender, 2-Spirit, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming individuals lost to transphobia and anti-trans violence.

Since then, TDOR has become a day to remember these lives, recognize the unique and ongoing challenges gender-diverse people face, and raise awareness about the discrimination, violence, and systemic barriers impacting these communities. Through this annual observance, we honour those we have lost while strengthening our resolve to create a safer, more inclusive world for all gender identities.

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

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that starts on Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until Dec. 10, Human Rights Day. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was designated in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly. The date of Nov. 25 was chosen to commemorate the lives of the Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic who were violently assassinated in 1960.  

Human Rights Day honours the date the United Nations General Assembly’s adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Dec. 10, 1948. This document sets out fundamental human rights to be universally protected.  

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 for good. 

In Canada, we also observe the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women during the 16 Days to remember the women who were murdered during the tragic mass shooting at Polytechnique Montréal on Dec. 6, 1989. 

Facts and figures 

• Global scale of violence against women: An estimated 736 million women, almost one in three, have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life (30% of women aged 15 and older). This figure does not include sexual harassment. Women who have experienced violence are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety disorders, unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and HIV, with long-lasting consequences. 

• In 2023, around 51,100 women and girls worldwide were killed by their intimate partners or other family members. This means that, on average, 140 women or girls are killed every day by someone in their own family. 

• Less than 40% of the women who experience violence seek help of any sort. In the majority of countries with available data on this issue, women who do seek help look to family and friends and very few seek support from formal institutions, such as police and health services.