In December 1995, the Canadian House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month, following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Hon. Jean Augustine. The motion was carried unanimously. In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the 'Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month'. The approval and adoption of this motion completed Canada’s parliamentary position on Black History Month. Black History Month is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about the many contributions Black Canadians have made to Canada. To learn more click here.

This online display highlight McMaster University Library's physical and electronic resources on topics such as climate change, sustainability and the environment. To visit this displays click here.

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, a time to reflect on and celebrate the contributions that Canadians of Asian origin continue to make, to the growth and prosperity of Canada. To learn more about Asian heritage in Canada and beyond check out this display here.

May is Jewish Heritage Month, it provides us with the unique opportunity to learn, share and celebrate the history and culture of Jewish Canadians. To discover more about Jewish history and culture in Canada and beyond visit this display here.

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. Canadians celebrate National Indigenous History Month to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigeous peoples in Canada. It is also an opportunity to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous communities. The history of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples is the history of our country, as they are the first peoples of Canada and continue to play important roles in its developement and its future. Learn more here.

June is Pride Month in Canada. Pride Month is an annual month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, & queer-folk, their history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. Pride Month provides role models, builds community, and represents a civil rights statement about the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. Learn more here.

October is Islamic Heritage Month in Canada. In 2007, the Parliament of Canada proclaimed October Canadian Islamic History Month in recognition of the significant contributions the Muslim community has made to Canadian society. Muslim-Canadians enrich our lives and contribute to the prosperity and heritage of our country through their outstanding achievements in many fields, including literature, mathematics, science, sports and the arts. This month offers all Canadians a wonderful opportunity to reflect on and learn more about the history of Islam in Canada and the cultural diversity of Canada’s large Muslim community. Learn more here.

October is Women’s History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the women and girls from our past, and our present, who are contributing to a better, more inclusive Canada. In 1992, the Government of Canada designated October as Women’s History Month, marking the beginning of an annual month-long celebration of the outstanding achievements of women and girls throughout Canada’s history. This year’s theme #BecauseOfYou, celebrates women and girls in Canada who have made, and continue to make, a lasting impact on our country. Learn more here.

Holocaust Education Week (HEW), an initiative run by the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre, seeks to engage the public in learning about the Holocaust. More than six million Jewish people were brutally murdered by the Nazi regime and its collaborators in the Shoah. Countless Romani, LGBTQ2 individuals, persons with disabilities and political dissidents also were killed as well as those who stood against the horrors of the Nazi atrocities. To learn more click here.

Canadians recognize Remembrance Day, originally called Armistice Day, every 11 November at 11 a.m. It marks the end of hostilities during the First World War and an opportunity to recall all those who have served in the nation’s defence. On this day, Canadians pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace. We remember the more than 2,300,000 Canadians who have served throughout our nation’s history and the more than 118,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice. To learn more click here.

Canada has a broad definition of sexual assault. It includes all unwanted sexual activity, such as unwanted sexual grabbing, kissing, and fondling as well as rape. Sexual activity is only legal when both parties consent. The eBooks and resources contained in this guide are accessible through McMaster University Library, or are openly available on the internet. This guide is not comprehensive; it is intended as a place to start your research, or access resources on campus or in the surrounding community. We believe that information is powerful. We encourage all members of the McMaster community to educate themselves about the myriad ways rape culture permeates our world and perpetuates sexual assault. To learn more click here.