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.

Family Day, celebrated in various parts of Canada, is a time to recognize the importance of family and the role it plays in providing support, love, and stability. For Waypoints, Family Day resonates deeply as it emphasizes the values of safety, care, and community—values that are at the core of the services we provide to women and children who have experienced violence, abuse, and trauma.

For many individuals, family is a source of strength and connection. However, for those experiencing domestic violence, human trafficking, or other forms of exploitation, family can sometimes be a source of harm or fear. Waypoints plays a critical role in providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals who are seeking to break free from these harmful situations.

On Family Day, we reflect on the importance of building healthier, safer families and communities. It is a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure that all individuals, especially women and children, have access to the resources, support, and care they need to heal and thrive. Whether through providing shelter, counseling, or advocacy, Waypoints is committed to helping families rebuild and reconnect in a safe, positive environment.

Family Day serves as a reminder that the safety and well-being of every family should be a priority, and we continue to work toward a future where all families can experience love, security, and support.

Valentine’s Day is often seen as a celebration of love, but for many women and children, the day can bring up painful memories of unhealthy or abusive relationships. For those affected by domestic violence, trafficking, or exploitation, love has been distorted into control, manipulation, and fear.

At Waypoints, we understand that love should be a source of support, safety, and respect. As a women’s shelter, our mission is to help individuals escape from environments where love has been used as a tool for harm and to create a safe space where they can heal and rebuild their lives.

While Valentine’s Day is a reminder of what love should be, it also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of healthy relationships and the work that still needs to be done to support survivors. For those who have experienced abuse or exploitation, true love is about healing, safety, and self-respect—values we strive to empower each person with at Waypoints.

On this day, we stand in solidarity with those who are rebuilding their lives and commit to continuing our efforts to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to experience love in its healthiest and safest form.

Safer Internet Day is a global initiative aimed at promoting safer and more responsible use of technology, especially among young people. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting personal data, maintaining respectful online interactions, and being mindful of potential risks in the digital world.

As technology becomes an integral part of our daily lives, it is essential to foster an environment where everyone—particularly vulnerable groups—can navigate the internet with confidence and safety. Education and awareness are key in empowering individuals to make informed decisions and avoid harm in the online space.

At Waypoints, we are committed to supporting survivors of online exploitation by providing resources, guidance, and education on how to stay safe in the digital world. We believe that with the right tools and awareness, everyone can enjoy the internet safely and responsibly.

The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing fight to end this harmful practice that impacts millions of women and girls worldwide. It is a day to raise awareness, advocate for the rights of women and girls, and stand united in the effort to eradicate FGM.

Efforts to end FGM are vital in ensuring that all women and girls are protected from this violation of their rights. This day highlights the importance of education, support, and community-based initiatives in preventing FGM and empowering survivors.

On this day, the focus is on advancing the global commitment to eliminating FGM and protecting the health, dignity, and well-being of women and girls everywhere.