October is a jam-packed month for Canadians, full of meaningful celebrations that highlight our rich diversity, culture, and heritage. Each year at this time, Niagara College recognizes several nationally observed months of significance. These include:
- National Employment Disability Awareness Month
- Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month
- Women’s History Month
- Queer History Month
- German Heritage Month
- Islamic History Month Canada
- Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month
Sisters in Spirit National Day of Action for MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ people is also observed in October.
National Employment Disability Awareness Month
Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) was first proclaimed in Canada in 2010 by the Province of Manitoba. Since then, employment service providers, employers, and community organizations throughout Canada have brought DEAM to life by organizing activities to engage employers, job seekers experiencing disability, and the public to promote the benefits of inclusive hiring.
Accessibility services during the strike
Accessibility Services at NC remains committed to supporting students with permanent or temporary disabilities. While we continue to offer intake appointments during the strike, please note that there may be delays, and access to assistive technological support may be limited.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. If you require assistance or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us: [email protected].
Welland Campus: 905-735-2211 ext. 7778
Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus: 905-641-2252 ext. 4409
Update on Disability Awareness Week
Disability Awareness Week, previously scheduled for October, has been postponed to the Winter 2026 Term. While events aimed at building awareness have been postponed, there are many resources available all year round:
Canadian Association for Supported Employment
Ontario Disability Employment Network
Accessibility Hub
EDI Subject Guide-Ableism
Inclusive Language Guide
Health, Wellness and Accessibility
Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month
Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month is a chance to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a condition which affects about one in 50 children and youth aged one to 17 (view report: Autism spectrum disorder: Highlights from the 2019 Canadian health survey on children and youth).
NC’s Autism and Behavioural Sciences program delivers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience for those interested in making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with ASD.
The one-year graduate certificate program incorporates the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis and teaches students to develop skill-building programs and behaviour intervention plans. Students gain hands-on experience through 350 placement hours in schools and therapeutic settings and can participate in special initiatives with NC’s community partners.
Along with Disability Awareness Week, the session for employees on Creating Neuroinclusive Work Environments will be postponed to the Winter 2026 Term.
Women’s History Month
Canada has celebrated Women’s History Month since October 1992, acknowledging the achievements of women and girls throughout the country’s history. October marks a time to learn about the contributions and achievements of the exceptional women who have made an impact in politics, the arts and sciences, and countless other fields.
Queer History Month
This month we celebrate and highlight the history and achievements of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Canada. Next month, NCSAC will offer Pride events for students and employees that raise awareness, advance education, and increase the visibility of the queer community
While College events are on pause for the moment, we encourage members of our NC Community to take the initiative and learn about queer history and communities through the following resources:
NC Libraries: 2SLGBTQIA+: Online Information & Community Resources
National Film Board of Canada: 2SLGBTQIA+ Film Collection
German Heritage Month
Canada’s German community is among the largest cultural communities in Canada, with more than three million people. In October, communities across Canada host their own Oktoberfest celebrations to honour German culture and heritage.
The well-known Bavarian festival is held annually in Munich, Germany from mid- to late-September to the first Sunday in October, featuring traditional outfits, food, song, dance and beer. This year marks the 190th Oktoberfest.
October 4: Oktoberfest at the Winery
Get ready to raise your stein and roll out the barrel from 1-4 p.m. at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre’s first-ever Oktoberfest celebration. This is a ticketed event and all are welcome.
Oct 10-12: Locktoberfest at Lock Street Brewery in St. Catharines. Learn more on Instagram @lockstreetbrewco.
Sept. 26 to Oct. 18: Kitchener-Waterloo hosts the largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany, attracting more than 700,000 people according to tour operator Canadian Affair. The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is celebrating its 57th annual festival this year from Sept. 26 to Oct. .
Locally, the Niagara German-Canadian Club is a hub for the German-Canadian community to promote the understanding of German-Canadian culture and history. Visit the club’s website for resources and local events. Learn more in the Canadian Encyclopedia.
Resources and further learning: Government of Canada
Islamic History Month Canada
The theme for Islamic History Month Canada (IHMC) in 2025 is ‘Pioneering Muslim Communities in Canada ~ Cultivating Spaces for Comfort, Growth, and Learning Over Time.’
Resources and further learning:
Niagara College offers an eLearning module on Unpacking and Addressing Islamophobia for both students and employees.
Islamic History Month website
CCDI Canadian Islamic History Month educational guide
Latin American & Hispanic Heritage Month
This month is an opportunity to learn more about the Latin American and Hispanic community, a vibrant and growing part of Canada’s population representing 20 Latin American countries and one territory where Spanish is the official language.
The NC Latino Club and the Hispanic Student Association are student clubs at NC where students can engage with community on campus.
Several local organizations are dedicated to supporting Latin American & Hispanic Canadians, including:
- Iglesia Cristiana de Port Colborne
- Niagara Folk Arts
- TOES Niagara
Resources and further learning:
Hispanic Canadian Arts & Cultural Association website
Canadian Encyclopedia
CCDI Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month educational guide
National Film Board of Canada Latin Heritage Month Collection
Inclusive Language Guide
