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October 2^nd, 2025

October 2025 Days of Significance

Dear EAFWR Community,

October is a month rich with reflection, celebration, and cultural recognition. Together, we recognize Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Islamic Heritage Month, and Latin American Heritage Month, while also gathering in community to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, Thanksgiving, and Diwali. Each of these observances invites us to learn, embrace diversity, and strengthen our shared commitment to inclusion and belonging.

Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month

October is recognized as Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month in Canada. This month is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of autistic people, challenge harmful stereotypes, and promote inclusion in every space. Shifting from “awareness” to acceptance reflects an important change in perspective: moving beyond simply recognizing autism to actively embracing autistic voices, strengths, and leadership. Acceptance means valuing neurodiversity as a natural and vital part of human diversity, while working together to break down barriers that limit full participation in community life. This October, we encourage everyone to learn from and amplify autistic voices, challenge myths and ableism surrounding autism, and support autistic-led initiatives and advocacy.

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National Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is focused on promoting employment inclusion for people with disabilities and celebrating their valuable contributions to the workforce. The month-long campaign aims to raise public awareness, counter negative stereotypes about hiring people with disabilities, and encourage employers to create inclusive and accessible workplaces.

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Islamic Heritage Month

Islamic Heritage/History Month aims to celebrate, inform, educate, and share with fellow Canadians the rich Muslim heritage and contributions to society, including the sciences, humanities, medicine, astronomy, and other disciplines that have greatly benefited human progress. Proclaimed by the Government of Canada in 2007 and formalized by the Ontario Legislative Assembly in 2016, it provides an opportunity to reflect on Islamic history and culture, highlight Muslim achievements in various fields, and foster a deeper understanding to combat anti-Islamic sentiment.

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Latin American Heritage Month

Latin American Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the significant social, economic, and cultural contributions of people of Latin American descent to Canada’s multicultural society. The Latin American Heritage Month Act, passed by the Canadian Parliament in 2018, formally established this month to honor the diverse cultures, traditions, and accomplishments of the Latin American community.

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Mid-Autumn Festival – October 6

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a harvest festival celebrated in Chinese culture and is one of the most important holidays. It is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar with a full moon at night, corresponding to mid-September to early October of the Gregorian calendar. On this day, the Chinese believe that the moon is at its fullest and brightest, coinciding with the time of harvest in the middle of autumn. Celebrations include lighting lanterns and eating mooncakes.

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Thanksgiving – October 13

As Thanksgiving approaches, we reflect with gratitude for community, connection, and the relationships that sustain us. At the same time, we recognize that Thanksgiving in Canada is rooted in colonial histories that caused profound harm to Indigenous peoples, including dispossession of land, erasure of cultures, and ongoing inequities.

At Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, we acknowledge that gratitude cannot be separated from truth. Our commitment to reconciliation means holding space for both thankfulness and accountability; celebrating what we are grateful for while also committing to listen, learn, and act in ways that honour Indigenous rights, voices, and leadership. This Thanksgiving, we invite our community to:

Reflect on the land we live on and the treaties that govern it
Learn about the true history of Thanksgiving in Canada
Support Indigenous-led initiatives and reconciliation efforts in our region

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Diwali – October 20

Diwali is a major Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance – also known as Deepavali from Sanskrit, transliterating to ‘row of lights’ or ‘line of lamps.’ In most of India, Diwali is a five-day event, with the “main day” of Diwali falling in the middle of the festival. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Newar Buddhists in Nepal – though each religion has different spiritual associations with the festival. Celebrations include lighting clay lamps (diyas), rangoli designs with coloured rice and powder, fireworks, preparing sweets and food, and spending time with family.

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These October observances remind us that through celebration, reflection, and learning, we strengthen our shared commitment to a community where everyone belongs.

As always, keep an eye on our Events Calendar and social media channels for upcoming events in Waterloo Region for these days of significance!

Filed under Adult, Blog, Children, Community, Direct Support People

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Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region

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