“You can’t heal what you don’t acknowledge” - Jack Canfield (American author, motivational speaker, and co-author of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series of books.)

November is a month that raises awareness for a number of cultures and causes and also has a lot of specific awareness recognition days and weeks. November includes:

• Lebanese Heritage Month
• Hindu Heritage Month
• Lung Cancer Awareness Month
• Diabetes Awareness Month
• Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
• Movember (awareness of men’s health issues)
• November 5 - 11: Veterans’ Week
• November 8: Indigenous Veterans Day
• November 11: Remembrance Day
• November 20: National Child Day
• Fourth Saturday of November (the 22nd this year): Holodomor Memorial Day 
• November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
• November 30: Stomach Cancer Awareness Day

Months dedicated to cultures are important to celebrate their histories and contributions to our multicultural society. We should always be aware of the vibrancy that different cultures bring through the stories they share along with skills, cuisine, entertainment, and knowledge. All of these things contribute to the greatness of this country and our community.

Other dates of awareness commemorate historic events and the people who took part in them. To appreciate veterans who have served our country, many events happen on November 11th. These heroes come from many backgrounds and cultures. It is also important to recognize Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8th to pay tribute to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans who have served this country. 

Like many other months, November is also a month of recognition for a number of health issues. This helps people learn about health conditions (especially early detection and prevention) and helps organizations raise funds to do important research. We all need to try to take care of ourselves and to help support each other.

Acknowledgments help to raise awareness, build a multicultural society, and promote health and well-being. Let’s pay attention to days and months that raise awareness for a variety of cultures and causes, and work together for a better world. 

Ian Young is a columnist and Block Carrier with the paper. He lives in the area.