Identity Months @ TDSB

June Identity Themes

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National Indigenous History Month

In June, we celebrate National Indigenous History Month to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The TDSB honours this month in recognition of the rights, histories and extraordinary achievements of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The unique cultures and perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities are celebrated nationally and locally.

On June 21, the TDSB also recognizes National Indigenous Peoples Day. It is held around the time of the summer solstice - the longest day of the year - and is of spiritual significance for many Indigenous peoples. It is celebrated by family and community coming together for a feast, and it reminds people about the importance of staying grounded, humble and appreciative. For more information, including Indigenous history and success stories, visit the Government of Canada website.

TDSB Celebrates LGBTQ Pride Every Day

Our TDSB community has a rich culture and history of celebrating diversity and our LGBTQ community every day. Learn more about the history of Pride by visiting Pride Toronto and learn more about how we celebrate at the TDSB. Join us at the Toronto Pride Parade on Sunday, June 23, 2019. A proud TDSB contingent of students, staff, Trustees and community members will be taking part, just like we've done every year since 2000.

Everyone is welcome! Come out and join TDSB friends and colleagues. More information to come -

June is Portuguese Speaking Month at the TDSB

This year’s theme is “One language uniting cultures/Uma língua a unir culturas.” We’re pleased this year to be reaching out to all 246,000 students from JK to Grade 12 and to all 38,000 TDSB staff with many educational opportunities for them to learn about our rich and vibrant culture. The contributions of the Portuguese-speaking community to Canada’s history are vast as it includes the arts, sports, medicine and public life. Some of our educational opportunities included a launch to kick off Portuguese Speaking Heritage Month held at the Gallery of Portuguese Pioneers, a T-Shirt Design Challenge (winning design from Harbord Collegiate Institute) and the creation of a poster that was shared with all our schools. We are excited to extend an invitation to all students, staff and the TDSB community to attend the City of Toronto Portugal Day Parade: Sunday, June 9, 2019 11:00 am – 1:00 pm - Along Dundas Street West, from Lansdowne Avenue to Crawford Street

TDSB Meeting Location: Gather at 9:30 am at the south east corner of Lansdowne and Bloor Street West

June is Italian Heritage Month at the TDSB

“Learning never exhausts the mind.”

~ Leonardo da Vinci

This year the theme is Italy: Viva L’Italia:  Celebrating Italian Cultural Heritage. During this month, the TDSB celebrates the spirited culture and traditions of the Italian community with students, staff and the entire TDSB community. The TDSB is joined by the Province of Ontario in recognizing Italian Heritage Month since June 2010 when the Italian Heritage Month Act was passed. This Act recognizes the important contributions that immigrants made in building Ontario's communities and the economic, political, social and cultural achievements of Italian Canadians throughout the province.  Italian Canadian immigrants have played a prominent role in supporting Canada's post-war boom and Toronto's emergence as a diverse, vibrant world-class city. Activities for students, staff and the TDSB community are being planned at the TDSB to recognize Italian Heritage Month throughout the month of June. Below are two celebrations that will be taking place in the City of Toronto to recognize Italian Heritage Month:

Taste of Little Italy:  Friday, June 14 – Sunday, June 16

Italian Contemporary Film Festival:  Thursday, June 13 – Friday, June 21