Days of Awareness: August
Partners in Project Green shares Days of Awareness each month to spread awareness and start conversations. These days may have a social, historical, or sustainable significance worthy of our attention. These are just a small sampling of important days to acknowledge or remember. If we missed any days of importance that should be included, please share them with us.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples – Aug 9th
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed annually on August 9th. This year’s theme is: Protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact. The day was established by the United Nations to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of indigenous peoples around the worlds, while also raising awareness around preserving and respecting indigenous culture and rights, as well as the issues they face. It also recognizes the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Register for the virtual event (webinar): https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ivoYQZtFReWDpl0dgnu1Zg#/registration
- Check out more resources: https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day/resources
- Check out this Trello board for outreach materials across the UN: https://trello.com/b/3tKwi0LM/united-nations-and-indigenous-peoples-outreach-material-from-across-the-un
International Youth Day – Aug 12th
Established by the UN in 2000, International Youth Day is dedicated to recognizing the contributions and challenges faced by young people around the world. It emphasizes on the importance of youth engagement and promotes their role in shaping a better future by encouraging their involvement in various aspects of societal development. This year’s theme: From Clicks To Progress: Youth Digital Pathways For Sustainable Development focuses on celebrating the power of youth and digital innovation.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Learn more about International Youth Day: https://www.un.org/en/observances/youth-day/background
National Honeybee Day – Aug 17th
National Honeybee Day is observed annually on the third Saturday of August and was established to raise awareness around the critical role that honey bees play in our ecosystems, agriculture, and food supply. The day highlights the importance of bee conservation and the threats facing these vital pollinators. By recognizing this day, it serves as an opportunity to celebrate their crucial role in our world and encourages actions that support their health and sustainability.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Learn more about National Honeybee Day: https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/international/world-honey-bee-day-third-saturday-in-august
Raksha Bandhan – Aug 19th
Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated primarily in India and Nepal. It is a day dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters and is marked by the tying of a sacred and decorative thread, known as a “rakhi” by sisters on their brothers’ wrists. In return, the brother gives her gifts and promises to protect her from harm. The festival usually falls in August, during the full moon day, known as Purnima, of the Hindu month of Shravana.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Read more about Raksha Bandhan: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/hindu/raksha-bandhan
International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition – Aug 23rd
The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition is observed annually on August 23rd. This day commemorates the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and honors the memory of those who suffered under slavery. The day serves as a time to reflect on history, recognize those who were enslaved and those who fought for freedom, acknowledge the struggles, achievements, and resiliency and resistance of the enslaved peoples, as well as and promote the values of human rights and equality.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Observe International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition: https://www.unesco.org/en/days/slave-trade-remembrance
- Learn more about the history behind this day: https://www.gicj.org/positions-opinons/gicj-positions-and-opinions/2854-international-day-for-the-remembrance-of-the-slave-trade-and-its-abolition-%E2%80%93-23-august-2022
If you have any questions about the Days of Awareness feature, please contact Charlotte Hung at charlotte.hung@trca.ca.