June 2021
June is a very special month, as we celebrate many things including Pride, Indigenous History, and Father’s day. These are significant celebrations as they share common values with Network including mutual respect, diversity, inclusiveness, equity and recognition. All year round, Network aims to maintain positive and responsive engagement and ongoing communication with our families and community members to seek their unique strengths, perspectives and contributions to our programs that will enable us to best meet their child’s needs. These values are central to our organization’s beliefs and principles.
For more information on our Core Values, click here.
With that, we are delighted to celebrate, learn, and acknowledge the following celebrations this June…
The rainbow flag is a symbol of 2SLGBTQ+ pride and 2SLGBTQ+ social movements.
Pride
In Canada and the United States, June is recognized as Pride Month. This month long celebration includes numerous events to recognize the impact 2SLGBTQ+* people have had in the world as well to bring people together to celebrate the history, courage, and diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Pride is a wonderful opportunity for individuals to express their true selves to the world. It is a celebration about freedom, diversity and acceptance.
Pride is a time for both celebration and for advocacy for and within the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and is normally commemorated each year by a parade within the City of Toronto. This year things will look a little different, but there will be online events to celebrate Pride Month safely. Happy Pride Month! *What does 2SLGBTQ+ mean?
Explaining Pride and 2SLGBTQ+ to Children:
Celebrate Pride With Your Family With These Fun & Easy Crafts
National Indigenous History Month
In June, Canadians also celebrate National Indigenous History Month. This month long celebration is to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. As well, it is an opportunity to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous communities. National Indigenous History Month is a time for learning about, appreciating and acknowledging the contributions First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have made in shaping Canada.
This year, National Indigenous History Month is dedicated to the missing children, the families left behind and the survivors of residential schools. At Network, we are heartbroken to learn about the terrible losses that came out of Kamloops, British Columbia on May 28, 2021. The unmarked, buried remains of 215 Indigenous children were discovered at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, which was in operation from 1890 to 1969. We stand in solidarity with Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and grieve along with our communities. To all those who survived these schools, you are so incredibly brave.
A photograph taken in a classroom at Cross Lake Indian Residential School in Cross Lake, Manitoba in February 1940
A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. Emotional and crisis referral services can be accessed by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-721-0066. Learn more and donate to their cause at www.irsss.ca
This June 21, 2021 is National Indigenous Peoples Day and marks the 25th anniversary of celebrating the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Network would like to honor and acknowledge National Indigenous History Month by sharing resources and contributions from Indigenous communities. These resources can be utilized to learn more about First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada.
SourcesVisit and Support the NCCT: Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
We empower the Indigenous community in Toronto by providing programs that support their spiritual, emotional, physical and mental well-being.
Library and Archives Canada, Aboriginal History: Here, you can find out more about how Indigenous peoples have played a crucial role in defining Canada’s identity as a nation.
Orange Shirt Day
Resources for children on learning more about Indigenous Culture
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Reconciliation
Father's Day
At Network Child Care Services, we wish all Fathers a happy and wholesome Father’s Day. We are so grateful for the Fathers in our lives, in our community and around the world.Father’s Day is typically celebrated by presenting fathers with gifts or spending quality time together and catching up. In Canada, Father's day is on the third Sunday in June. In 2021 Father's Day is on June 20. This is also the same day as the summer solstice! This timing makes it the perfect time to start off the summer season with a father-focused barbecue, camping trip, beach day, or other outdoor activity!
History of Father's Day
Father's Day is a holiday to celebrate fathers around the world. It's an emerging holiday as it's celebrated in more and more countries nowadays as fathers are more involved in raising children and are recognized for their efforts.
Father's Day was established in the United States in the early 20th century to complement Mother's Day in celebrating fathers, fathering, and fatherhood.
Father's Day was founded in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd. Its first celebration was in the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910. Her father, a Civil War veteran named William Jackson Smart, was a single parent who raised his six children. After hearing about Anna Jarvis's efforts in establishing Mother's Day, Sonora Smart Dodd wanted to start a similar holiday honoring Fathers.
Initially, Father’s Day was not successful. Later, in the 1930s Dodd started promoting the celebration again, raising awareness at a national level. She had the help of trade groups such as the manufacturers of ties and tobacco pipes. In 1938 she had the help of the Father's Day Council, founded by the New York Associated Men's Wear Retailers to promote the holiday, with varying success.
However, it wasn’t until 1966, when American President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. Six years later, the day was made a permanent national holiday when American President Richard Nixon signed it into law in 1972.
Father's Day was founded in 1910, Spokane, Washington by Sonora Smart Dodd
