DEI Calendar Highlights for June 2025: From Pride to Reconciliation
June is a powerful month for organizations committed to inclusion, equity, and employee well-being. From Pride Month to National Indigenous History Month, it’s a time to commemorate, reflect, and take action. Learn how HR leaders and organizations can recognize these important observances and build momentum for lasting change.
As June begins, it brings with it a series of powerful dates that honour resilience, celebrate identity, and call for justice. For organizations committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), this month is not only an opportunity to recognize key moments—it’s a call to lead with intention.
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To support your planning efforts, whether you’re an HR professional, a team leader, or a culture champion, June’s observances offer a strong foundation for employee education, internal campaigns, and inclusive workplace culture-building throughout the month.
Why June Matters
Across Canada, the U.S., and globally, June marks several significant observances:
2SLGBTQIA+ Pride Month (Canada, U.S. and globally)
Celebrated internationally, Pride Month honours the resilience, rights, and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. It also commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in the fight for queer liberation.
Learn more: prideatwork.ca, Egale Canada, Qmunity
National Indigenous History Month (Canada)
A time to recognize the history, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. It also invites reflection on colonial harms and the path toward reconciliation.
Learn more: rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca, Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada
June 19 – Juneteenth (U.S.)
Commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It’s a day of remembrance, celebration of Black freedom, and a call to continue the work toward racial justice.
Learn more: juneteenth.com, nmaahc.si.edu
June 19 – International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict
Raises awareness of the devastating impacts of sexual violence during war and conflict, and calls for support, justice, and prevention for survivors.
Learn more: United Nations
June 20 – World Refugee Day
Recognizes the courage and contributions of refugees worldwide and highlights the need for global solidarity, protection, and inclusive policies.
Learn more: UNHCR Canada, Refugee 613
June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day (Canada)
A day to celebrate the diverse cultures, heritage, and achievements of Indigenous Peoples, often marked with ceremonies, teachings, and community events.
Learn more: Canadian Encyclopedia, rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca
June 27 – Canadian Multiculturalism Day
Celebrates Canada’s cultural diversity and reaffirms the values of inclusion, equity, and respect for all cultural identities within Canadian society.
Learn more: Canada.ca Multiculturalism Day
June 28 – Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots
Marks the anniversary of the uprising at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, which became a catalyst for the global 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movement.
Learn more: History.com, GLAAD
How Organizations Can Commemorate and Enact Change
Acknowledge and Celebrate Diverse Histories
- Host educational events or lunch-and-learns to explore Indigenous history, the legacy of Juneteenth, or the origins of Pride.
- Highlight employee stories and community voices through newsletters or internal communication channels.
Centre 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Beyond Rainbow Logos
- Review internal policies for gender inclusivity and benefits equity.
- Offer Pride-themed workshops focused on allyship, inclusive language, or psychological safety for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees.
Create Space for Reflection and Dialogue
- Encourage open discussions on the impacts of historical and ongoing discrimination.
- Facilitate safe spaces for employees to share lived experiences and learn from one another.
- Offer training that moves beyond awareness into meaningful action.
Take Action on Equity Commitments
- Launch or revisit your organization’s DEI strategy with specific goals tied to cultural competence, equity in advancement, or inclusive hiring.
- Partner with community organizations that support Indigenous, refugee, and 2SLGBTQIA+ populations.
Promote Belonging in Daily Practices
- Make observances visible—post a calendar, share resources, and encourage managers to acknowledge these moments in team meetings.
- Integrate DEI topics into ongoing leadership development and onboarding programs.
Engage With Your Community
- Encourage employees to attend local events, volunteer with equity-deserving groups, or support initiatives through sponsorships and partnerships.
Go Deeper with Learning: E-Courses for Pride and Indigenous History
To support your organization’s learning goals this June, we offer e-learning experiences designed to deepen understanding, build allyship, and drive cultural change:
Over the Rainbow: A Celebration of Gender and Sexual Diversity
This two-part e-course series explores foundational and global perspectives on gender and sexual diversity.
- Includes: Key terminology, Canadian queer history, global trans and non-binary perspectives, and actionable allyship strategies.
- Format: Self-paced e-course with group rates available. Also offered as live virtual or in-person training for teams.
Explore the course bundle
Supporting Gender Diverse Communities (Free e-Course)
This free resource introduces foundational knowledge and inclusive practices for supporting gender diverse individuals in the workplace and beyond.
Access the free course
Indigeneity in Turtle Island: Footprints Across These Lands
This course offers critical context for understanding Indigenous identity, history, and experiences on Turtle Island (North America).
- Includes: Pre- and post-contact history, systemic issues, and decolonial practices to support reconciliation.
- Format: Self-paced learning with group rates and live virtual session options.
View the course
These courses are ideal for HR leaders, leadership teams, and workplace inclusion champions looking to embed learning into their June programming and beyond. They also make an excellent option for team-based group learning sessions
Leading with Intention
These dates aren’t just symbolic—they’re invitations to act. Whether you’re uplifting Pride, commemorating Juneteenth, or reflecting on Indigenous heritage, your leadership sends a message about what your organization values. When you act intentionally, you create an environment where inclusion isn’t seasonal—it’s embedded in how your workplace operates year-round.
Stay Connected
To support your year-round planning, sign up for our newsletter and receive your free copy of the 2025 DEI Calendar —a helpful resource for scheduling events, training sessions, and culture-building moments with intention.