COCHF

National Black Business Month is observed throughout August each year to recognize, celebrate and support Black-owned businesses. The month encourages consumers to shop with Black-owned firms, highlights the challenges these entrepreneurs face, and pushes for greater equity in business and finance.

On March 24, 2021, the House of Commons voted unanimously to officially designate August 1 as Emancipation Day. It marks the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire.

Canadians are not always aware that Black and Indigenous Peoples were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. Those who fought against enslavement were pivotal in shaping our society into the diverse society it is today.

Therefore, each August 1, Canadians are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against both anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination.

Emancipation Day celebrates the strength and perseverance of Black communities in Canada.

World Listening Day celebrates mindful listening and encourages people to engage with their auditory environment in various ways. Here are a few ways people might participate in World Listening Day:

Soundwalks: Organize or join a soundwalk in your community to explore the sonic environment.

Listening Meditation: Practice listening meditation, focusing solely on the sounds around you to cultivate mindfulness and presence.

Sound Mapping/Community Sound Projects: Create a map of sounds in your local area, marking locations where specific sounds are prominent or interesting.

These activities can help individuals deepen their appreciation for the soundscape around them and foster a greater sense of connection to their environment and community.

International Non-Binary People's Day is celebrated annually on July 14 to raise awareness and celebrate the diversity of people who experience their gender identity outside the traditional male/female binary. The date was chosen as it falls exactly halfway between International Women's Day and International Men's Day.

This important day shines a light on those who identify as non-binary and celebrates the community’s diversity and gender identities.

Great article on The Collective’s new co-op in St. Catherines! Congrats!

Ontario's Niagara Region is getting its largest-ever affordable co-operative housing project | CBC News The largest affordable co-operative housing project in the Niagara Region will be built at the site of the former Hotel Dieu Hospital in St. Catharines, Ont. The president of the non-profit Collective Housing Co-operative is expecting a crush of people hoping to eventually call it home.

Congratulations on this award of recognition, Fadhwa!!

Congratulations, Fadhwa, from your co-operative sector colleagues! | Elana Harte Congratulations, Fadhwa, from your co-operative sector colleagues!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/194BwSLbFc/

I’m delighted to be attending and to be a part of CHFT’s 2026 Diversity Scholarship event!

Congratulations to all 25 recipients!