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.
Emancipation Day – August 1
Canadian Emancipation Day is observed annually on August 1 to commemorate the historic abolition of slavery across the British Empire. It marks the date in 1834 when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 officially took effect, freeing enslaved people in Canada and other British colonies
Canadians are not always aware that Black and Indigenous Peoples were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. Those who fought enslavement were pivotal in shaping our society to be as diverse as it is today. Therefore, on this day, Canadians are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against both anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination.
Educate yourself about the history of slavery in Canada:
- https://crc-canada.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/A-Short-History-of-Slavery-in-Canada-Jean-Bellefeuille-CRC-JPIC.pdf
- Historica Canada’s Education Guide: http://education.historicacanada.ca/files/19/EN_BlackHistory_Digital.pdf
International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition – August 23
On the night of 22 to 23 August 1791, in Saint Domingue, today the Republic of Haiti, saw the beginning of the uprising that would play a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition was first celebrated in a number of countries, in particular in Haiti (23 August 1998) and Goree in Senegal (23 August 1999). Cultural events and debates too were organized.
Through UNESCO’s Routes of Enslaved Peoples Programme, learn about historic causes, the methods and the consequences of the slave trade: https://www.unesco.org/en/routes-enslaved-peoples
International Overdose Awareness Day – August 31
World Humanitarian Day honours humanitarian workers who have lost their lives or been injured while helping others and celebrates the spirit of humanitarian efforts worldwide. Established by the United Nations in memory of the 22 UN staff killed in the 2003 Baghdad bombing, the day raises awareness of global humanitarian issues, honours those working in crisis situations, and promotes the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. Each year, it focuses on a specific theme to highlight the ongoing need for international cooperation and support for people affected by crises.
International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or suffered an injury as a result of a drug overdose.
This year’s theme, 25 Years On. Still Needed, reflects a shared global truth: overdose continues to affect people from every walk of life.
- Learn how to the signs and symptoms of an overdose: https://www.overdoseday.com/overdose-basics/
- Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of opioid poisoning. Find a Naloxone Kit Near You: https://www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit
- Wear purple and find a light up event on August 31 in your area: https://www.overdoseday.com/get-involved/
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 August 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.