Days of Awareness: June
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.
Pride Month
The month of June is a time to celebrate and recognize 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, achievements, and activism. It is an opportunity to promote 2SLGBTQIA+ visibility, inclusion, and allyship, while also acknowledging the continued work needed to build a more equitable and inclusive society for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Pride events and initiatives will take place across the country throughout the month of June, with Pride parades and festivities culminating during the weekend of June 25th–28th. You can show your support by attending local events, supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ businesses and organizations in your community, or learning more about 2SLGBTQIA+ history, terminology, and allyship.
To learn more about pride and events, visit: Be Proud. We’re Pride Toronto or Pride events and celebrations | Destination Ontario
Bike Month
Get moving this June by celebrating Bike Month! This month-long campaign highlights the many environmental, health, and community benefits of cycling. Across the Greater Toronto Area, a variety of activities will take place, including community rides, cycling events and webinars, and bike-to-school and bike-to-work challenges. Whether you’re trying cycling for the first time or already ride regularly, Bike Month is a great chance to enjoy biking and discover new ways to connect with your community.
- Join TRCA’s annual Bike The Creek event on June 13: https://trca.ca/bike-the-creek/
- Join the Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP)’s Bike Bonzana on June 14: https://calendar.trca.ca/event/bike-bonanza/
- Partake in City of Toronto’s Smart Commute festivities: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/cycling-in-toronto/cycling-events-and-programs/
Red Shirt Day – June 3
On June 3rd, support Canadians living with disabilities by wearing a red shirt and making a pledge! Red Shirt Day is an annual event that brings Canadians together to create a visible display of solidarity for persons with disabilities and their families. By increasing visibility and awareness, we can all work toward building more accessible and inclusive communities.
- Wear RED to show your support for accessibility and inclusion on this day
- Help support Canadians living with disabilities: https://redshirtday.org/resources/
World Environment Day – June 5
World Environment Day is the world’s largest international celebration dedicated to protecting our environment. This year’s theme, “Climate Action,” highlights the urgent messages our planet is sending and the collective steps we can take to create a more sustainable future. On June 5, join the global movement by raising awareness, supporting environmental initiatives, and taking meaningful action in your community.
To learn more about how you can get involved, visit Get Involved – World Environment Day events and activities.
World Ocean Day – June 8
World Ocean Day is an opportunity to celebrate the magnificence of the world’s oceans, increase awareness of their endangerment, and mobilize collective action to protect them. The theme for World Ocean Day 2026 is, “Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet”. Developing regulated Marine Protected Areas is key to reaching marine conservation goals.
To learn more about how to engage in ocean conservation and to register for the World Oceans Day virtual celebration, visit: https://worldoceanday.org/take-action
World Refugee Day- June 20
On June 20, take time to reflect on and honour the millions of people who have been forced to flee their home countries to escape conflict and persecution. World Refugee Day recognizes the strength and resilience of refugees, affirms the right of all people to seek safety, and encourages us to consider the actions needed to support their economic and social inclusion.
To learn more, visit: World Refugee Day 2026 | UNHCR
National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous People’s Day – June 21
June is National Indigenous History Month — a time to celebrate Indigenous cultures, recognize the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities, and honour the rich heritage of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada. It is also an opportunity to learn about Indigenous histories, listen to Indigenous voices and stories, and reflect on the ongoing impacts of Canada’s colonial history and legacy.
There are many ways to take part in National Indigenous History Month, including attending Indigenous events, supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, increasing your awareness of Indigenous history, and deepening your understanding of and commitment to reconciliation efforts in Canada.
June also marks National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st, a day dedicated to celebrating the cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across the country.
To learn more about celebrations and events near you, visit: National Indigenous History Month or Indigenous Events, Commemorations & Awards – City of Toronto
National Pollinator Week – June 22 – June 28
National Pollinator Week, organized by Pollinator Partnership, is an annual weeklong celebration of the power and importance of pollinators to healthy ecosystems and agriculture. Did you know that one in every three bites of food is dependent on the process of pollination? Sadly, pollinator populations are becoming increasingly endangered due to human activity and the impacts of climate change.
- Support pollinators by planting native plants in your garden and refraining from spring disposal of garden waste that can host hibernating pollinators
- Educate yourself on pollinator identification and protection: City of Toronto – Pollinator Protection Strategy
- Take part in the Pollinator Week Bioblitz to help collect data on pollinators across Canada, the US and Mexico: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/pollinator-power-party-bioblitz-2026-competition
About Days of Awareness
Since its launch in 2023, Partners in Project Green’s Days of Awareness campaign has become a monthly celebration of the days, events, and observances that matter most to our community. Designed to highlight moments of social, historical, cultural, and environmental significance, this initiative invites us to pause, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations that extend beyond sustainability alone.
Each month, we spotlight a curated selection of awareness days to honour the diversity of our team, Members, and the communities we serve — fostering connection, inclusion, knowledge-sharing, and collective action across our network.
Read the June 2025 Days of Awareness article here.
If you have any questions about the Days of Awareness feature, please contact Charlotte Hung at charlotte.hung@trca.ca.