Blog

May 1^st, 2025

May 2025 Days of Significance

Dear EAFWR Community,

As we enter the month of May, we invite you to join us in reflecting, celebrating, and learning through several important observances: MMIWG2S Awareness Day, Community Living Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, and Asian and South Asian Heritage Month.

May 5 – National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2-Spirit People (MMIWG2S)

Also known as Red Dress Day, this national day honours the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who have been murdered or gone missing. Red dresses—hung in windows, trees, and public spaces—serve as haunting symbols of the thousands of lives stolen, and the justice still denied to so many families and communities.

This is a day for remembrance, resistance, and recommitment to action. It is also a time to uplift the Indigenous voices and advocates who continue to carry this burden while working toward truth and transformation.

Local Events:

Red Dress Reflections: Transforming Tomorrow
Hosted by the Office of Indigenous Relations at the University of Waterloo
️ May 5, 2025 | 10:00 AM–12:30 PM
Location: DC Fishbowl, University of Waterloo
Learn more & register

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Walk
Hosted by The Healing of the Seven Generations
️ May 5, 2025 | 10:00 AM
Location: Walk starts at 10:00 AM at 300 Frederick Street, Kitchener and will end at the Victoria Park Clock Tower
Learn more

Resources:

• Overview and Resources – SFU Library
• Consolidated Literature Review of Reports – National Inquiry

Community Living Month

May is Community Living Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the people, places, and stories that make our communities more inclusive. It’s also a powerful opportunity to highlight the rights, voices, and leadership of people with intellectual disabilities and those who stand alongside them in advocacy, support, and solidarity.

Spotlight at EAFWR
Our Executive Director, Al Mills, will also be publishing a special blog post reflecting on our history with Community Living Ontario, the recent EAFWR Conference, and the incredible trip to Queen’s Park that our self-advocates are preparing for. Watch our website for his post!

Day at the Legislature – May 27, 2025
Community Living Ontario will once again collaborate with Community Living Toronto for their annual Day at the Legislature at Queen’s Park. This event brings together self-advocates, family members, agencies, and supporters to connect with policymakers and increase visibility at the provincial level.

Note: This event is open to Community Living Ontario (CLO) members only. If you’re interested in attending, please contact your local CLO member association.

Want to Participate Online?
Organizations across Ontario are invited to share their Community Living Month celebrations by posting photos on social media, tagging @CLToronto and using the campaign hashtag #CLMonth2025

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health is essential to our wellbeing, and May is an opportunity to reduce stigma and connect with supportive resources. Our Wellness Committee will be organizing staff activities—stay tuned!
Staff Supports: Watch for an upcoming email with a full list of available supports.
Resources: Mental Wellness – Region of Waterloo
Training & Events:

Asian & South Asian Heritage Month

May also celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian and South Asian communities in Canada. It’s a time to uplift diverse voices, honour resilience, and challenge anti-Asian racism.
Learn More:

• About Asian Heritage Month – Canada.ca
• Asian Heritage Month – Canadian Historical Association

️ Resources and Community Events: