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Each year the Â鶹´«Ã½ Office of Human Rights, Equity & Harassment Prevention (HREHP) develops a mosaic calendar of religious holidays and cultural dates for faculty, staff and students. See below for a sample of April dates to observe, reflect, celebrate or promote throughout the university community. The complete calendar is available on the website,

All Jewish and Islamic Holidays begin at sundown on the evening before the first date shown.

May 1 – 31st
Asian Heritage Month
This acknowledges the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada. It also provides an opportunity for Canadians across the country to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Asian Canadians to the growth and prosperity of Canada.

Asian Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States since 1979. Over the past decade, many Asians in Canada have begun to celebrate their heritage during the month of May. In December 2001, the Senate adopted a motion proposed by Senator Vivienne Poy to officially designate May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada.

May 12th
Canada Health Day
Canada Health Day recognizes exciting and new developments in the public health field. It is also a time to reflect on past public health accomplishments, to appreciate the people who deliver public health services, and a time to consider future public health needs and public health system capacity.

MAY 14
Ascension (CH)
Is the anniversary of Jesus’ ascension into heaven and enthronement as universal sovereign. It comes forty days after Easter/Pasha.

May 15th
U.N. International Day of Families
The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 with resolution and reflects the importance the international community attaches to families. The International Day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families. It aims at fostering equality, bringing about a fuller sharing of domestic responsibilities and employment opportunities.

May 16th
Lailat al Miraj (IS)
Lailatul Miraj commemorates Prophet Muhammad's ascension to heaven. Muslims believe that on this night, an angel came to the Prophet, washed his abdomen with Zamzam water, and filled his heart with wisdom and belief. Then, Muhammad was called by God from Mecca to Jerusalem, where he prayed at the Masjid Al-Aqsa (Jerusalem). From Jerusalem, he ascended to heaven, where he was honored by being allowed to see God directly, visiting the highest levels of heaven, and leading all the past Prophets in prayer, including Joseph, Adam, Abraham, Moses, Aaron, Jesus, and John the Baptist.

MAY 17
Azamat (BA)
Baha’i feast honoring the one’Azamat Grandeur.

Yom Yerushalayim (JU) - Jerusalem Day
Commemorates the re-unification of Jerusalem in 1967. This day begins on 28th day of the month of Iyyar in the Hebrew calendar.