Hellenic Heritage Month
March is Hellenic Heritage Month, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Hellenes and Greek Canadians to Canada, and an occasion to mark and enjoy the history of Greek culture. There are over 260,000 Canadians of Greek descent, who have made meaningful and lasting contributions to Canada’s political, economic, scientific, legal, medical, cultural and social fabric. The origins of Canadian democracy can be traced back to the ancient Greek city-state of Athens. March 25th also marks Greek Independence Day, as it was on March 25, 1821, on the Great Feast of the Annunciation, that Greece commenced its war of independence from the Ottoman Empire, leading to the creation of the modern state of Greece.
18-24 – Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organizations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognize the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual. Learn more.
10-14 – March Break
February 28-March 28 – Ramadan
Ramadan is a sacred time for those of the Islamic faith to reflect, give, and serve with purpose. Every day during Ramadan, Muslims begin the fast at sunrise after having a meal, after which the morning prayer is prayed. The fast isn’t broken until sunset, which precedes the fourth prayer of the day. Learn more.
8 – International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) has its roots in the international labour, socialist, and peace movements that were active early in the 20th century. IWD has been celebrated on March 8 since 1917 and is a national holiday in many countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Like Labour Day, International Women’s Day provides a focus for the necessary activism of the day. In 2008, the Canadian Labour Congress launched a year-long campaign on women’s economic equality. In 2000 and 2005, the World March of Women launched its global campaigns on IWD. ETFO is committed to advancing gender equality. Read the ETFO equity statement and human rights statement. You can find more information on ETFO’s gender equity initiatives here.
The theme for the CLC IWD 2025 campaign is:
Rise Up for Gender Justice.
Review this year’s IWD 2025 Statement and Key Messages for IWD 2025, and share these Social Media Assets with your community.
17 – St. Patrick’s Day
Saint Patrick is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. He is credited with successfully spreading Christianity throughout Ireland—hence the Christian celebration of his life and name. We wear a shamrock on St. Patrick’s Day because, legend says, St. Patrick used its three leaves to explain the Holy Trinity in his teachings.
20 – International Francophonie Day
March 20 was chosen to celebrate the anniversary of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT) that was born on March 20, 1970 in Niamey, Niger. This agency marks the first step towards Francophone cooperation, which will become the International Organization of La Francophonie a little later. Celebrating La Francophonie is recognizing the potential of language and culture to unite people, to create spaces of solidarity and mutual understanding, to reflect together on our common future. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) share this common vision that places culture and language at the heart of any lasting effort for peace. and development.
21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.
The United Nations General Assembly reiterates that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies. In its most recent resolution, the General Assembly also emphasized that any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous and must be rejected, together with theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races.
21 – Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Awareness Celebration Day
The goal of this recurring awareness day is the centering and celebration of the radiance and diversity of Two-Spirit identities, expression, and experience across Turtle Island. The event is held at the Spring Equinox “as the date represents transformation and change, which is the in-between that Two-Spirit people have typically occupied.” Indigenous-led organizations across so-called Canada are invited to join us in the proclamation of spring equinox as Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day by hosting local events, demonstrations, and celebrations in solidarity with satellite events happening across the country. Learn more.
25 – International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is a time for reflection. But it is also a time for education. Despite myths to the contrary, enslaved Africans enriched the Americas not just through their labour but also through a transfer of vital skills and knowledge. In addition, rather than accepting their fate, they engaged in powerful acts of resistance. The United Nations works to highlight such stories through its Outreach Programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery, which is managed by the Department of Global Communications, and the Routes of Enslaved Peoples Project, which is run by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
31 – International Transgender Day of Visibility
“Today, on the International Transgender Day of Visibility, we honour the resilience and unbreakable spirit of transgender, Two-Spirit and non-binary people and celebrate their diversity and many contributions. As we work toward building an inclusive Canada, we also commit to speaking out against the harmful impacts of transphobia, discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression, and intersecting forms of discrimination.
Every single person deserves to live a true and authentic life free from discrimination regardless of who they are or how they express themselves. Yet, transgender and non-binary people continue to experience significant disparities, including negative mental health impacts, unemployment, homelessness, harassment, and bullying, and they are often victims of violence simply for being themselves. We also know that Indigenous, Black, racialized people, and people with disabilities experience an added layer of inequity. This is unacceptable, and we must do better.”
-The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
31 – National Indigenous Languages Day
National Indigenous Languages Day is an opportunity to honour the rich linguistic heritage of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada. This day is a profound reminder of the importance of Indigenous languages and the critical role they play in preserving the history, culture and identity of Indigenous communities.
Indigenous languages are the living expression of a people’s connection to their ancestors, their land and their way of life. They encapsulate the wisdom of generations and are central to the social fabric of Indigenous communities. Despite the challenges these languages have faced—stemming from historical government policies, residential schools and ongoing systemic barriers—they continue to be a source of strength and renewal for Indigenous Peoples. Learn more.
