October at NC: Celebrating Diversity, Culture and Heritage

Throughout October, Niagara College recognizes and celebrates observances that highlight Canada’s rich diversity, culture, history and heritage. These observances provide opportunities to learn, reflect and celebrate the many communities and experiences that contribute to our College community.

Here are some of the days, weeks and months of significance recognized at NC throughout October:

National Employment Disability Month

Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) recognizes the contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace and promotes greater awareness of the importance of inclusive employment practices.

Disability Awareness Week at NC

From Oct. 5 to 9, NC will recognize Disability Awareness Week, an opportunity to elevate the lived experiences of students with disabilities while providing students and employees with opportunities to engage, learn and build greater awareness.

For a full list of events and activities, read the InsideNC article here.

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 offers a one-year graduate certificate program in Autism and Behavioural Sciences that delivers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience for those interested in making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with ASD.

Women’s History Month

Canada has celebrated Women’s History Month since October 1992, recognizing the achievements and contributions of women and girls throughout Canadian history. October is an opportunity to learn about the women who have made an impact in politics, the arts, sciences and countless other fields.

Learning resources through NC’s Libraries and Learning Centres:

EDI subject guide: Women and Girls

Queer History Month

This month we celebrate and highlight the history and achievements of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Canada.

Positive Space – Creating 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusive and Affirming Environments.

On Oct. 22, NC employees are invited to join the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Centre for Academic Excellence (CAE) teams for Positive Space – Creating 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusive and Affirming Environments.

Delivered in a hybrid format at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus and virtually via Zoom from 1:30 to 3 p.m., this session will offer an engaging and reflective introduction to gender and sexual diversity. Participants will explore key concepts including terminology, pronouns and gender identity, as well as the impact of heteronormative and cisnormative assumptions.

Colourful Clay Creations

Student Engagement and the EDI team are partnering to bring students a fun and expressive hands-on craft experience.

Come get creative, make something colourful and enjoy some time connecting with the NC community.

Event details:

Oct. 13: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Student Activity Room, Daniel J. Patterson Campus
Oct. 15: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Student Activity Room, Welland Campus

Resources

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.

Oct. 3: Oktoberfest at NC Craft

Get ready to raise your stein and roll out the barrel from 1 to 4 p.m. at NC Craft Beverage Centre. This is a ticketed event, and all are welcome.

Get your tickets here.

Islamic History Month Canada

Islamic History Month Canada is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the history, culture, contributions and experiences of Muslim communities in Canada. This year’s theme is ‘The Art and Legacy of Islamic Calligraphy.’