The York Catholic District School Board is proud to recognize June as Italian Heritage Month. The month recognizes the contributions that Italian-Canadians have made to the country. Canada is home to more than 1.5 million Canadians of Italian descent, which makes it one of the largest Italian migration groups in the world. On October 7, 2010, the Legislature of the Province of Ontario passed Bill 103 into law declaring forever the month of June as Italian Heritage month. Every June, all Canadians are welcome to join in on the celebrations taking place across the country for Italian Heritage Month. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the rich heritage of Italian Canadians and the inspirational role that they have played and continue to play in our country.
On the occasion of Italian Heritage Month, the Italian Cultural Institute is hosting DANTE 700 | Toronto Salutes Dante along with other virtual events. The City of Vaughan Public Libraries are celebrating through the lens of art, food, and history the Italian-Canadians who carry on the traditions today. For additional information please refer to their website, Vaughan Public Libraries. Further cultural information and virtual events can be found by visiting the Italian Chamber of Commerce Ontario website and follow the link: The Extraordinary Italian Taste – ICCO. Finally, the YCDSB is also a proud partner of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF Youth). For information on what events are being held during the month of June, please visit the ICFF website.
The month of June is an opportunity to honour and celebrate the contributions of Italian Canadians to the social, economic, political and cultural life of our country. Join in some of the virtual celebrations aforementioned and learn more about the unique cultural aspects of the Italian heritage while celebrating the values of diversity, openness, and respect for the differences which unites us all.