Legal Leaders for Diversity and Inclusion – June, 2017

June is one of our busiest diversity months!

Best wishes to our Muslim colleagues and friends on the celebration of Ramadan. Ramadan is the holiest and most awaited Islamic month which Muslims across the globe celebrate with much devotion and sincerity. During this holy month, Muslims fast and reflect spiritually. Fasting during this holy month is also considered as one of the five pillars of Islam. From dawn to dust, those who have physical capability are required to observe fasting. But Ramadan is not just about fasting. It is also a time for spiritual reflection when Muslims devote themselves to worshiping and praying to Allah.

Happy Pride!  June is a special month for our LGBTQ friends and colleagues, particularly in Toronto and other centers in Canada, US and other countries.  One of the first things LLD did six years ago was to convene a meeting of senior gay and lesbian lawyers to understand what we could do to break down remaining barriers for LGBTQ lawyers.  We have made progress but there is more to be done. Take time this month (or when a similar event happens in your city) to attend one or more LGBTQ celebrations.  Your leadership matters and is noticed.

Welcome to our newest signatory.  Leola Pon is the General Counsel at the Toronto District School Board, no doubt our largest school board, with the most diverse student population, in Canada.

A reminder that our 6^th Anniversary Celebration will take place on June 27, starting at 4:30, at Deloitte’s new offices (weather permitting, patio open).  If you have not responded, please do so now by letting Katherine know (kbody@deloitte.ca).  Further details will be sent out to you next week.

From time to time our LFDIN friends host events.  As the Denton event is a global one and some of our signatories are participating on a panel, no doubt you will find this event of interest. It takes place on the morning of June 16 at the Convention Center and is titled ‘Women in Business” https://insights.dentons.com/159/2194/compose-email/invitation-canada-dl.asp .

By the way, the General Counsel Awards take place on the evening of June 15.  A good number of the LLD signatories are up for awards in a number of categories.  Congratulations to the nominees!  All deserving.

Other diversity related observances this month

• June – National Aboriginal History Month.June is National Aboriginal History Month as declared by the Canadian Parliament in 2009. It is a fitting tribute to the heritage and diversity of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada that this month in particular was chosen. Aboriginal History Month is an opportunity not only to recognize the historic contributions of Aboriginal peoples to the development of Canada, but also the strength of present-day Aboriginal communities and their promise for the future.

• June 4 – Pentecost (Christian, Coptic & Eastern Orthodox).The Holy Spirit was felt amongst the 12 apostles after Jesus’ death. New members of the church are baptized on this day.

• June 21 – National Aboriginal Day (Canada).In 1996, the former Governor General of Canada, Romeo LeBlanc, proclaimed June 21 to be known as National Aboriginal Day. This is an event growing in importance in Canada when the outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis are being recognized.

• June 24 – St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec).St. Jean Baptiste is the patron saint of French-Canadians in Quebec, Canada. It is a national holiday and there are parades, bonfires and fireworks to celebrate his birthday.

• June 26 – Eid-ul-Fitr (Islam).This marks the end of the Ramadan fast and is celebrated for 3 days. Date of observance may vary according to sighting of the new moon. Dates vary by a day depending on whether the Saudi Arabia or the North American Calendar is being observed. This calendar follows the North American dates which is a day later.

• June 27 – Multiculturalism Day (Canada).The Government of Canada officially recognized June 27th as Canadian Multiculturalism Day on November 13, 2002. This day acknowledges the contributions that various communities make to Canadian society and to celebrate the country’s richness and diversity.

Other dates of note: