November is Hindu Heritage Month and Indigenous Education ...

Ontario is home to a large and vibrant Hindu community. In December 2017, the Ontario Legislative Assembly declared November as Hindu Heritage Month to recognize the many positive contributions of Hindus residing in Ontario. Since the first Hindu immigrants arrived in Canada at the beginning of the 20th century, Hindu Canadians from across Ontario have made significant contributions across all fields: science, education, medicine, law, politics, business, culture, sports, and more. 

In April 2019, Hindu Heritage Month was officially adopted by Peel District School Board (PDSB). This declaration offers the opportunity for PDSB students, families, and staff to increase their awareness of Hindu culture and heritage within and beyond Canada. Hindu Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate, and educate future generations about Hindu Canadians and the important role they have played and continue to play in communities across Ontario to help build this province into a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families. 

“Deepawali” or “Diwali” is the largest celebratory festival for members of the Hindu community. It falls in either October or November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. It’s observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Diwali commemorates the victory of good over evil. In addition, during this time of year, Hindus also celebrate other significant festivals such as Navratri and Durga Puja. 

During the month of November, Peel District School Board (PDSB) celebrates the history, culture, diversity, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada. This is a long history and one where Indigenous People have overcome many obstacles through resistance and resilience. Today, Indigenous People are reclaiming much of their traditions and stories as they look to continue their reclamation of sovereignty and self-determination. Indigenous Education Month is an opportunity for PDSB students, their families, and staff to continue to engage in their Treaty relationships by reflecting on the longstanding commitments between the many different Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island and Canadians throughout history.  Some highlights throughout the month include:

Since 2016, Ontario has recognized the first week of November as Treaties Recognition Week. It serves as a time for residents and PDSB students to learn about the significance of treaty rights and relationships, and their ongoing relevance today.

Declared by the Inuit Circumpolar Council, this day is an opportunity to celebrate Inuit culture and contributions while amplifying the voices of Inuit across the circumpolar world.

On Indigenous Veterans Day, we honor the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who have bravely served Canada. Despite not always enjoying the same rights as their peers, they fought with dedication, so that all Canadians could live in peace and inherit freedom.

Louis Riel (1844–1885) was a founder of Manitoba and a leader of the Métis Nation. Riel’s legacy, especially his fight to protect Métis rights and culture in the face of colonial power, endures. On this day, we celebrate the lasting contributions of Riel and the Métis Nation to Canada and beyond.

For the month of November, students in PDSB schools will be engaged in celebrating and honouring the diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Turtle Island.