Identity Months @ TDSB

November is Hindu Heritage Month & Indigenous Education Month

Hindu Heritage Month

“In 2016, the Government of Ontario declared the month of November each year as Hindu Heritage Month. Further to this, On April 18, 2018, the TDSB Board of Trustees voted to recognize the month of November as Hindu Heritage Month. The theme chosen this year is OM – The Sound of the Universe. The sound OM, or AUM, is energy, a vibration from which all the universe originates. It is believed that form and creation emanate from this vibration. OM symbolizes vibrations of being, life, and consciousness in all worlds and all creatures. By chanting OM correctly, one feels a connection to the creation and transformation of the cosmos. And then, it is traditional to pause, sit in silence, and experience that creative void of complete peace and understanding. 

Canadians of Hindu faith have greatly contributed to civic life in Canada for decades, and are a vibrant part of the growth and prosperity of Toronto, Ontario and Canada. November is an opportunity to celebrate the Hindu way of life, examine its impact and contributions to the world culture, and recognize values which promote compassion, tolerance and inclusion – and hey, it is the birthplace of the number zero, without which the binary code in computers could not exist!”

Indigenous Education Month

“In November, we honour Indigenous Education Month at the TDSB. This month provides an opportunity to centre First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives, histories and contemporary realities. In classrooms across the TDSB, it is an opportunity to learn about treaties, Indigenous leadership, achievements, and resistance. Over the course of this month, students, staff and community members will be recognizing a number of important days to deepen knowledge and learn together about our shared history and build stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. First Nations, Métis and Inuit Days of Significance Over the course of November, students, staff and community members will be recognizing a number of important days to deepen knowledge and build stronger relationships between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples in Canada. This includes Treaty Recognition Week (Nov. 4-8), Inuit Day (Nov. 7), Aboriginal Veterans’ Day (Nov. 8), Louis Riel Day (Nov. 16), and an opportunity to Rock Your Mocs (Nov. 9-16).