Canada Day is a time to celebrate our country’s history, achievements, and the values that shape us as a nation. It’s a moment to reflect on the diversity and multiculturalism that make Canada unique, and to appreciate the freedoms and opportunities many enjoy.

However, it is also important to acknowledge that Indigenous peoples in Canada continue to face immense challenges and injustices. The legacy of colonization, along with ongoing systemic issues, means that Indigenous communities are still fighting for recognition, respect, and equity. We stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and commit to listening, learning, and supporting efforts toward reconciliation and healing.

On this Canada Day, let us celebrate our nation while also reflecting on the work we must do to create a more just, inclusive, and respectful future for all Canadians.

For more information about decolonization, visit the Assembly of First Nations website.

June 27 provides an opportunity to reflect on the rich mosaic of cultures that shape our communities and life in Canada. For individuals navigating violence and trauma, cultural identity can be a powerful source of strength—offering connection, resilience, and pride. At the same time, it can present challenges, particularly when people encounter barriers, discrimination, or systems that do not reflect their lived experiences.

At Waypoints, we work with people from many backgrounds and experiences. Our services are designed to meet individuals where they are, respecting language, traditions, and beliefs as part of the healing process. We continue to learn from those we serve and from the diverse communities that make Fort McMurray stronger.

Multiculturalism is not just about celebration. It means building inclusive systems of care that honour the diverse ways people live, heal, and find safety. Trauma and violence informed care recognizes that healing is not one-size-fits-all, and creating welcoming spaces is fundamental to meaningful support.

The Summer Solstice, observed each year around June 21, marks the longest day of sunlight and holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. It is a time of renewal, ceremony, and connection to land, community, and tradition.

As a trauma and violence informed organization, we acknowledge the importance of this day and recognize the strength and knowledge shared by Indigenous communities. We encourage reflection, learning, and respectful participation in local events that celebrate Indigenous culture and heritage.

At Waypoints, we continue to walk alongside individuals and communities in ways that honour lived experience, resilience, and healing.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across Canada. Observed on June 21st, this day provides an opportunity to recognize and honour the rich histories, languages, and practices of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

It is also a time to reflect on the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities in the face of historical and ongoing challenges. While we celebrate the vibrancy of Indigenous cultures, it is crucial to acknowledge the injustices and systemic issues that continue to affect Indigenous peoples, including the impacts of colonization, residential schools, and land rights disputes.

National Indigenous Peoples Day calls upon all Canadians to listen, learn, and act in solidarity with Indigenous communities to advance reconciliation, respect, and support for their rights and cultural heritage.

To learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day, visit the Government of Canada’s website.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed on June 15th each year, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing elder abuse in our communities. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the various forms of elder abuse, including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect, and to advocating for the protection and well-being of older adults.

In Canada, elder abuse continues to be a pressing issue, with many seniors facing vulnerability due to isolation, discrimination, or dependency. WEAAD serves as an opportunity for individuals and organizations to come together, reflect on the challenges faced by older adults, and take action to prevent abuse and support those affected.

For more information, visit the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse’s website.

If you are seeking local supports or services related to elder abuse, please contact our 24/7 Family Violence Crisis Line at +1 (780) 743-1190.

Waypoints honour the lives of Missing, Murdered, and Exploited Indigenous Men and Boys. These are lives stolen, stories silenced, and families left searching. While public awareness has grown around the national crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People, the experiences of Indigenous men and boys have too often remained unacknowledged in national dialogue.​

​Blue Jean Jacket Day was first launched in Edmonton on June 6, 2023, as a community-driven response to this silence. The campaign raises awareness about the disproportionate rates of violence, disappearance, and systemic neglect experienced by Indigenous men and boys across Canada. Wearing a blue jean jacket is a visible symbol of solidarity, remembrance, and a collective call for justice, policy change, and culturally grounded supports.​

Waypoints continues to walk with families and communities, while advocating for inclusive responses rooted in truth, healing, and accountability.​

​For more information about Blue Jean Jacket Day, please visit https://www.albertanativenews.com/blue-jean-jacket-day-launches-in-edmonton/

The National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People, also known as Red Dress Day, is a powerful reminder of the ongoing violence and systemic injustices faced by Indigenous communities. The red dress symbolizes the lives stolen by violence and those who have been silenced through exploitation and neglect.

Indigenous people face significantly higher risks of victimization due to the lasting impacts of colonialism, systemic inequities, and ongoing discrimination. We recognize these realities and stand in solidarity with the families and communities affected by this crisis. Our trauma-informed approach acknowledges the unique challenges Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals encounter when seeking safety, justice, and support.

Honouring the lives lost means more than remembrance—it means advocating for justice, amplifying Indigenous voices, and working toward systemic change. Every person deserves to live free from violence, valued and respected in their community.

For more information about the National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls & 2SLGBTQI+ People (Red Dress Day), visit the Government of Alberta’s website.

Sexual Violence Awareness Month provides a significant opportunity to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence, its impact on survivors, and the resources available to support healing. This year, the Waypoints theme for SVAM is "United We Act, Together We Change.” We are dedicated to creating a safer community where individuals can find support, advocacy, and healing from the trauma of sexual violence.

This month is a time to amplify conversations that matter—addressing the realities of sexual violence, confronting misconceptions, and reinforcing the values of respect, empathy, and accountability. Waypoints is hosting several awareness-driven events to inform, engage, and mobilize our community. We stand in solidarity with survivors and continue to push for a future where safety and dignity are non-negotiable.

Together, we can work towards a future where everyone is empowered to speak out, seek help, and heal without fear of judgment or shame.

To learn more about Sexual Violence Awareness Month, visit the Government of Alberta’s website.

Denim Day is an international campaign held on the last Wednesday of April to raise awareness about sexual violence, challenge harmful myths, and support those impacted. It began in response to a 1998 Italian Supreme Court ruling that overturned a rape conviction, citing that the victim’s tight jeans implied consent. In protest, women in the Italian Parliament wore denim, sparking a global movement that continues today.

For Waypoints, Denim Day aligns with the work of our Sexual Trauma Support Services (STSS) by reinforcing the message that individuals affected by sexual violence are never to blame. Through our Sexual Trauma Support Services, we provide counselling, advocacy, and education to support individuals impacted by sexual violence.

Denim Day is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with survivors, challenge misconceptions, and continue conversations about consent, support, and prevention in our community. For more information about International Denim Day, please visit DenimDay.Org.

Today we take a moment to highlight the invaluable role of administrative professionals. Their ability to coordinate, organize, and support daily operations ensures workplaces function efficiently.

We deeply appreciate the dedication of our administrative team, whose efforts help drive our work forward. Administrative Professional’s Day is an opportunity to recognize their contributions and the impact they make behind the scenes.

For more information about Professional Administrative Day, visit Career Professionals of Canada’s website.

Earth Day invites us to reflect on the shared role we each play in protecting and caring for the environment. The 2025 theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” emphasizes the strength of collective action in creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

Teachings from Indigenous worldviews remind us of the deep connection between people and the natural world—land, water, and sky. These perspectives offer important guidance as we consider our responsibilities to care for the environment now and for generations to come.

Environmental health is closely linked to community well-being. Everyone deserves access to clean, safe, and welcoming spaces. As part of our ongoing efforts, Waypoints participates in the RMWB’s Adopt A Trail Program, helping to care for local trails so they remain accessible and inviting for everyone.

Lasting change often begins with small, intentional steps. When we care for the environment, we contribute to the strength and resilience of our communities.

To learn more about Earth Day, visit Earthday.org.

World Health Day reminds us that health and well-being begin long before birth. This year’s theme, Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures, highlights the importance of maternal and newborn health, ensuring that every parent and baby receives the care and support they need.

We understand that access to compassionate, high-quality care can shape individual lives and entire communities. For those who have experienced trauma or loss, supportive environments and resources are essential to healing and moving forward.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to begin life with safety, care, and hope. Let’s continue advocating for services that nurture well-being at every stage.

To learn more about World Health Day, visit the World Health Organization’s website.

On the International Day Against Victim Blaming, we reaffirm a simple but powerful truth: responsibility for harm always lies with the perpetrator, never the impacted individual. No one should be made to feel at fault for the violence or abuse they have experienced.

Waypoints works to challenge harmful narratives that silence survivors and prevent them from seeking support. Believing, supporting, and empowering those affected by violence is essential in building a culture of safety and accountability.

Today and every day, we stand with survivors and advocate for a world where blame is replaced with understanding, justice, and change.

For more information about Victim Blaming, visit the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton’s website.

National Indigenous Languages Day is a time to recognize and celebrate the diverse languages of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada. Indigenous languages are essential to cultural identity, storytelling, and traditions, yet many remain at risk. This day highlights ongoing efforts to revitalize and sustain these languages for future generations. Everyone has a role to play in preserving linguistic diversity—learning, listening, and supporting initiatives that keep these languages thriving.

In Fort McMurray and the Wood Buffalo region, Indigenous communities are leading incredible efforts to keep these languages thriving; the traditional languages of Cree and Dene are deeply rooted and spoken – Athabasca Tribal Council works to preserve Indigenous Languages of both the Cree and Dene languages within the 5 first Nation Member Communities. They have developed interactive apps for both Cree and Dene languages in the dialects that are specific to the 5 First Nations member communities they support.

For more information on ATC’s Indigenous Language apps, please visit their website at https://www.atcfn.ca/language.

For more information about National Indigenous Languages Day, visit the Government of Canada’s website.

On International Day of Transgender Visibility, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of transgender and non-binary individuals in our communities. The theme for 2025 is “Blossom”. This day is a reminder that visibility matters—that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued for who they are.

At Waypoints, we are committed to fostering spaces where all individuals feel safe and supported. We recognize the barriers that transgender and non-binary people continue to face and stand in solidarity in advocating for dignity, equity, and inclusion.

Today and every day, we affirm that everyone deserves to live authentically, free from discrimination and harm.

To learn more about International Day of Transgender Visibility, visit the Government of Canada’s website.

March 21st is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination—a time to acknowledge the ongoing work required to confront racism, discrimination, and intolerance. The 2025 theme is “60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms Racial of Discrimination (ICERD)”.

Discrimination and violence are deeply linked. At Waypoints, we recognize that individuals from marginalized communities—including Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals—often face additional barriers when seeking safety, support, and justice. A trauma-informed approach means understanding these systemic inequities, creating safer spaces, and amplifying diverse voices in the work to end violence.

Eliminating racial discrimination requires more than awareness—it requires action. It means listening to lived experiences, challenging systemic inequities, and fostering communities where every person is treated with dignity and respect.

This day is an opportunity to reflect on how we can all contribute to a more just and inclusive society.

For more information and resources on combatting racial discrimination, visit UN Human Rights website.

Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day is a meaningful occasion dedicated to honouring and celebrating the diversity and strength of Two-Spirit identities and experiences. This day was originally conceived by Harlan Pruden, a First Nations Cree scholar and community organizer, and has been advocated for by the Two-Spirit community. It occurs each year in alignment with the spring equinox, providing a special time for Two-Spirit and Indigenous queer and trans people, their families, friends, and allies to come together in solidarity.

This day is a reminder of the importance of recognising the unique contributions and challenges faced by Two-Spirit individuals. A key focus for this year's celebration is raising awareness around the impacts of gender-based violence on Two-Spirit people, particularly around their access to essential resources like healthcare, cultural healing practices, and community support.

As part of the celebration, we strive to raise visibility and support for Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ+ communities, encouraging greater access to necessary services and fostering an inclusive environment for all.

To learn more about local events and resources supporting Two-Spirit individuals, visit: Wood Buffalo Pride’s website.

For further information on the Canadian Rainbow Coalition’s efforts to improve access to resources and support for Two-Spirit individuals, please visit the CBRC Awareness Campaign’s website.

Spring Equinox marks the official arrival of spring, a time when day and night are perfectly balanced. As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, it's the perfect moment to embrace new beginnings, growth, and endless possibilities.​

Welcome this season with open arms, filled with peace, growth, and blooming opportunities. Whether you're planting seeds in your garden or in your heart, now is the time to nurture what you wish to see flourish.​ Here’s to a season of fresh starts, vibrant energy, and positive change.

For more information about Waypoints, please visit us at www.waypointswb.ca

On World Social Work Day, we acknowledge the dedication and impact of social workers who advocate for individuals, families, and communities in times of need. The theme this year is “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing”. Their work is essential in fostering safety, healing, and empowerment, often in challenging circumstances.

At Waypoints, we see firsthand the difference social workers make—providing support, guiding individuals through crisis, and championing systemic change. Their expertise and compassion help create pathways to safety and stability for those experiencing domestic, family, and sexual violence.

Today, we celebrate their contributions and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their vital work.

For more information about World Social Work Day, please visit the Global Social Service Workforce Alliance’s website.