Days and months of significance

February is Black History Month (BHM) in Canada, a time to increase awareness of the issues and barriers that have been historically faced, and continue to be faced, by Black people and communities, while honouring the achievements of Black people in Canada and around the world.

Recognized on the third Monday in February, Louis Riel Day recognizes the life and work of Louis Riel, the first premier of Manitoba. Riel was the Métis leader of the Red River Resistance of 1869-70 and was instrumental in drafting the List of Rights that formed the basis of the Manitoba Act, which brought Manitoba into Confederation. Each year, in advance of the provincial holiday named in Riel’s honour, all UM students, staff and faculty are invited to participate in Louis Riel Day celebrations.

International Women’s Day is a global day to recognize and celebrate women’s and girls’ achievements, and highlight both the progress made in advancing women’s rights and the ongoing work to erase barriers and name the systems of oppression that create barriers and issues for women. As an educational institution, UM recognizes the power of education to provide opportunities and open doors. We recognize this day as an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the incredible contributions of women both at UM and in the broader community.

Earth Day recognizes the power of collective action and impact of individuals, groups and organizations in helping to protect and improve our environment. UM recognizes Earth Day as part of our commitment to sustainability.

Recognized on May 5, Red Dress Day is a national movement to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples (MMIWG2S+). UM recognizes this day as part of our commitment to truth, justice and Reconciliation. Red Dress Day is an opportunity to learn, reflect and commit to taking action. 

UM is committed to being an inclusive and welcoming space for all 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff and faculty. UM’s Pride celebrations, including participation in the annual Pride Winnipeg Parade, is a reflection of our continued support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, celebration and allyship. UM also continues to actively and intentionally support and promote representation and inclusion throughout our faculties and units, with the recognition of the power of education and research in creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for all. For more information about all UM Pride community events, visit  the 2SLGBTQIA+ community webpage.

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It's a time to honour the stories, excellence and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. Numerous events are held across UM each year in recognition of this month and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21.

National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages and traditions at this time of year. To help mark this time of renewal, connection and celebration, each year at UM, Indigenous students, staff and faculty are recognized in a blanketing ceremony ahead of National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Honouring the Indigenous campus community event.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools. As an educational institution, and the home of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, UM recognizes the role education has played in the harms and mistakes of the past and the present in Canada and the responsibility of finding a path forward, together. UM’s Truth and Reconciliation Framework: Time for Action serves as a guiding document to support UM’s ongoing commitment to working with First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, faculty and staff, and communities. There are many ways you can observe the day, starting by wearing an orange shirt and attending one of the many opportunities, both on and off campus, to engage in learning and reflection and to honour the healing journey of residential school Survivors.

UM is committed to operating efficient campuses that are continually working to be more sustainable. UM’s Office of Sustainability supports sustainability across the entire institution, from climate, transportation and waste reduction initiatives, to education and research, Sustainability Month is a chance to recognize and celebrate the work being done every day at UM so that students and our communities can have big futures, along with promoting new initiatives and ways for all of us to get involved in championing sustainability at UM.

Each November, Canadians recognize the contributions of veterans as part of Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8 and Remembrance Day on November 11. These days commemorate the contributions, sacrifices and achievements made by those who served, and continue to serve, through stories, ceremonies and moments of silence. UM honours veterans through annual events marking both Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day.

Celebrated internationally every year on November 15, National Philanthropy Day recognizes the positive impact of those who give on our community. At UM, philanthropy makes possible incredible projects, initiatives and supports student success. The support we receive from our alumni, faculty, retirees and other friends of UM allows us to improve the learning experience for our students. You can learn more about how generous donations have changed, and continues to change, lives at UM, inspires our next generations of leaders and empowers an engine of change on UM's Giving webpage.