When the number of the month matches the number of the day, that's Bonza Bottler Day. It is a play on numbers. There are twelve Bonza Bottler Days a year. This event began in 1985. Bonza is Australian for "Super." Bottler is slang for "something excellent."

Africa

May

Cartoonists Day (1895): May 5

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Cartoonists help us understand subjects, entertain us in films, add to the debate, and use satire to teach and pictures to illustrate. Their talent entertains, sometimes enrages, but is always appreciated. Cartoonists Day honors these artists' contributions to society and the legacy their work leaves. Cartoonists Day marks the anniversary of the release of the comic strip Hogan's Alley on May 5, 1895. This event first ran in 1999.

Africa

May

Children's Day (JP/KR): May 5

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Children's Day is a national holiday in Japan and South Korea, observed on Monday if May 5 falls over the weekend. The day goes back to ancient times when the fifth day of the fifth month saw the boy's festival of Tango no Sekku. Throughout the country, you'll see carp-shaped streamers symbolizing strength and success. In South Korea, Children's Day became a national holiday in 1975.

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May

Cinco de Mayo (MX) (1862): May 5

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A lot of Americans think Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day. It's not. Cinco de Mayo, Spanish for "May Fifth," marks the anniversary of the Mexican army's entrenchment and ultimate victory in Puebla against the French army on May 5, 1862, during the Franco-Mexican War. This conflict ran concurrent with the American Civil War (1860-1864) and lasted from 1861-1867. The French were ultimately defeated. Americans use Cinco de Mayo as a day to celebrate Mexican culture, specifically the music, food, and drinks. Ironically, it's not a big deal in Mexico, but it might as well be Latin Saint Patrick's Day in the United States. It's huge. Like many events, Canada and other nations globally have begun hosting Cinco de Mayo celebrations in their countries as a tribute to one of the world's favorite food categories, Latino culture, and the now iconic beverage of tequila.

Africa

May

Easter, Orthodox (C): May 5

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Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is considered the holiest day of the Christian calendar and marks the fulfillment of the biblical promise to Abraham—that from his line, the Messiah would come, and through Him, all nations (people) of the world would be blessed. The Bible tells of Jesus' friends discovering that He had risen from the dead at dawn on the third day after His crucifixion (known as Good Friday). Orthodox Easter is later than Latin Easter because Christian Orthodox Church continues to follow the Julian calendar when calculating the date of Easter, which is thirteen days behind the Gregorian. Emperor Julius Cesar created the Julian calendar. The Gregorian calendar used today as the standard by Pope Gregory originated in the Roman Catholic church. Orthodox Christians of Greece, Russian and other regions do not follow the Catholic Pope. The Orthodox Church continues to adhere to the rule set forth by the First Ecumenical Council, held in Nicea in 325 AD, requiring Easter to take place after the Jewish Passover to maintain the Biblical sequence of Christ's Passion. Christians traditionally celebrate this renewal of life and the forgiveness of sin with colored Easter eggs. Legends say these eggs are brought and hidden by a rabbit. Rabbits are the ancient symbol of spring and renewal. However, the Easter eggs and the Easter bunny are not a part of the Bible. Each is symbolism. Eggs and bunnies remind people of new life granted to them through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Africa

May

Ferret Day, Ntl. (UK): May 5

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National Ferret Day occurs on this day every year in the United Kingdom. It seeks to highlight issues such as welfare, care, nutrition, and ownership and educate the public to respect the animal we care so much about. Ferrets are work animals, hunting and eating rabbits, gophers, and other garden pests. The term ‘ferreting’ means using ferrets to hunt. They are cute and mischievous pets (like mongooses) that live well with large pets (keep them away from rabbits, guinea pigs, small kittens/puppies, and hamsters, though). National Ferret Day is an opportunity to dispel myths and show the ferret to be both the traditional hard worker it continues to be and the excellent companion animal it has become in recent years. The Ferret Education & Research Trust (FERT) is the founding charity behind National Ferret Day in the UK. It aims to educate the public about domesticated ferrets to ensure they are respected as working animals and companions. The Trust was disbanded in September 2013 but continues to support the Green Ribbon Campaign and National Ferret Day. People are encouraged to consult the British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation (BVA AWF) for more information about this event.

Africa

May

Five Boro Bike Tour, TD Bank (US-NY): May 5

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The TD Five Boro Bike Tour is the premier fundraising event for Bike New York, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to empowering New Yorkers to transform their lives and their communities through cycling. Proceeds from the event directly fund free public bike education programs for over 30,000 adults and kids throughout the five boroughs. Bike New York co-produces this iconic New York tradition with the New York City Department of Transportation. “We’re back and better than ever,” said Ken Podziba, CEO and President of Bike New York. “The opportunity to ride car-free through the five boroughs of the most exciting and diverse city in the world is why the TD Five Boro Bike Tour has become our country’s most popular bike ride. And knowing the proceeds from the Tour fund Bike New York’s free bike education and safety programs makes it even more meaningful.” Annually on the first Sunday in May since 1978.

Africa

May

Guru Amar Das Sahib (S)(1479): May 5

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Guru Amar Das Sahib (May 5, 1479-September 1, 1574), was the third Guru of the Sikhs and an influential spiritual leader in Sikhism. He was born in Basarke, a village near Amritsar in present-day Punjab, India. Guru Amar Das Sahib became the Guru in 1552, succeeding Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Sikh Guru. Guru Amar Das Sahib contributed significantly to developing Sikhism and its institutions. Some of his notable achievements include: Anand Karaj—Guru Amar Das Sahib established the Anand Karaj, the Sikh wedding ceremony, which formalized the institution of marriage within the Sikh faith. This ceremony emphasizes the importance of spiritual and social commitment between the couple and the community. Langar System—Although the Langar system (community kitchen) began with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das Sahib, expanded and institutionalized it. He made it mandatory for all visitors, regardless of social status, caste, or religion, to partake in the Langar meal before meeting him. This practice promoted social equality, unity, and the spirit of selfless service. Organization of Sikh Community—Guru Amar Das Sahib organized the Sikh community into 22 dioceses called Manjis, each led by spiritually and socially committed individuals. This system helped in spreading the teachings of Sikhism, managing community affairs, and ensuring the proper functioning of local congregations. Compositions and Hymns—Guru Amar Das Sahib composed many hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism. His compositions emphasized the importance of meditation, devotion to God, and social responsibility. Elimination of Caste-based Practices—Guru Amar Das Sahib actively discouraged caste-based discrimination and promoted social equality among his followers. He opposed the practice of Sati (a widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre) and encouraged widow remarriage. Guru Amar Das Sahib's teachings continue to inspire Sikhs worldwide. His focus on social equality, spiritual devotion, and community service are essential to the Sikh faith and values.

Africa

May

Hoagie Day, Ntl.: May 5*

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The hoagie (also known as a submarine sandwich) is an American original, and it first appeared in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1992, then-Mayor Ed Rendell declared it the "official sandwich of Philadelphia," initiating the official Wawa Hoagie Day at City Hall. Wawa is a regional convenience and gas station retailer. The hoagie is a built-to-order sandwich on a long Italian roll, typically filled with deli meat and cheese, garnished with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, and finished with a drizzle of oregano-vinegar dressing. Hoagies can be filled with tuna, chicken cutlets, and roasted vegetables, among other fillings. National Hoagie Sandwich Day is celebrated with hoagie shops providing free (or discounted) hoagies to local law enforcement, firemen, and other civil servants. The actual day of this promotion can vary. Wawa often holds it in June or July near the Fourth of July holiday, rather than on National Hoagie Day. Some stores will give hoagies to the first 50 or 100 customers on this day.

Africa

May

Infertility Survival Day, Ntl.: May 5

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Mother’s Day is difficult for women and families who want to have children but cannot. Therefore, the Sunday prior to Mother’s Day is National Infertility Survival Day, set aside for those struggling with infertility. A variety of tools are made available through fundraising, friendships, and outreach.

Africa

May

Mayday for Mutts, Ntl: May 5

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Mutts are dogs that are of mixed breed and not purebred. These adorable animals account for over 75% of all dogs in the United States found in shelters. In 2000, as a way to draw attention to the issue, author Karen Derrico (Unforgettable Mutts: Pure of Heart Not of Breed) founded the national Mayday For Mutts on the first Sunday in May each year, which is also the commencement of the American Humane Association's "Be Kind to Animals Week."

Africa

May

Miami Grand Prix (US-FL): May 5 (est)

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The Miami Grand Prix is a Formula One racing event held for the first time in May 2022, and it is one of three Grand Prix races held in the United States. Designed by Herman Tilke, it is a street circuit race covering 5.41 km (3.36 miles) with 19 turns.

Africa

May

Midwife, International Day of the: May 5

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International Day of the Midwife was created in 1991 by the International Confederation of Midwives and is observed in over 50 countries. Today, 80 percent of those alive were born with the help of a midwife. In the United States, midwives attend approximately ten percent of births in hospitals, birth centers, and homes. Pregnancy and childbirth enormously impact the health of women, newborns, and families, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socio-economically. The goal of the midwifery model of care is to support women and their families in birthing their babies safely, unhindered, and confidently. Every woman deserves access to a midwife's high-quality, safe, personalized, attentive, affordable, and respectful care.

Africa

May

Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls, National Day of Awareness for (1992): May 5

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National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls Honors Victims and Calls for Action

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls acknowledges and raises awareness about the disproportionate rates of violence faced by Native American and Alaska Native women and girls. Activists, families, and community leaders come together to remember the victims and advocate for systemic changes to address this ongoing crisis.

It originates from the tragedy of Hanna Harris (May 5, 1992 - July 4, 2013). Her case brought attention to the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women and sparked national advocacy efforts. In response to widespread calls for justice, the US Congress officially designated May 5 as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls in 2017.

STATISTICS ILLUSTRATE A GRIM REALITY

Native American women face murder rates that are more than ten times the national average, and they are significantly more likely to experience violence in their lifetimes.

Statistics on crimes against Native American women reveal deeply troubling issues, including high rates of rape, murder, assault, harassment, racism, and domestic violence. Here is the most recent data (as of April 2024) publicly available:

Violence Rates:

According to the National Institute of Justice, more than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women (over 84%) have experienced violence in their lifetimes. These statistics include 56% who have experienced sexual violence and 55% who have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner.

Sexual Violence:

Native American women face murder rates that are more than ten times the national average in some counties, primarily those that are rural and on reservations. Sexual assault rates among Native American women are also exceptionally high, with studies suggesting that one in three Native American women report rape during their lifetime.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW):

The issue of MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) is a critical concern. Data collection is inconsistent and often underreported, but it's clear that indigenous women are murdered at a rate much higher than national averages. For instance, in some regions, the rate of fatal assault against Native American women is more than double that of the US average.

Domestic Violence:

Domestic violence is a significant issue, with more than half of Native American women experiencing intimate partner violence in their lifetime. This rate is significantly higher than that for white, black, or Hispanic women.

Racism and Harassment:

Racism and systemic discrimination exacerbate the risks faced by Native American women. Racially motivated harassment and violence are prevalent concerns, often complicating the legal and social services landscape that victims must navigate.

Challenges in the Legal System:

The legal framework presents unique challenges for prosecuting crimes on tribal lands due to jurisdictional complexities between federal, state, and tribal authorities, often leading to lower prosecution rates of violent crimes against Native American women.

Data and Reporting Issues:

There is a significant issue with the underreporting and misclassification of violent crimes against Native American women. Many cases go unreported, and data collection methods are inconsistent, which hampers accurate statistical analysis and the effective targeting of resources and support.

Efforts are ongoing to improve data collection, legal jurisdictional clarity, and resource allocation to address these severe issues effectively. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization and other legislative measures are steps toward addressing the systemic nature of these crimes.

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls coincides with broader efforts, such as the movement for a national inquiry into these issues and implementing more robust databases to track such crimes. Advocates continue to push for the passage of more comprehensive legislation like Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act, which aim to address jurisdictional challenges and improve coordination among federal agencies.

CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND

WHAT IS AN INDIGENOUS PERSON?

The definition of an "indigenous person" involves several key characteristics distinguishing them from other population segments within a country or region. The term is broadly used to describe the original inhabitants of a territory who have maintained a cultural identity distinct from the dominant society now governing that territory. Defining characteristics include:

HISTORICAL CONTINUITY

Indigenous peoples are descendants of the original inhabitants of a region or country who lived there before colonizing or settling populations arrived. Thus, they have historical continuity.

CULTURAL DISTINCTION

Indigenous peoples maintain cultural, social, economic, and political characteristics distinct from those of the dominant society. These include language, traditional practices, social structures, and often spirituality linked to their ancestral lands.

SELF-IDENTIFICATION

Self-identification as indigenous or belonging to an indigenous group is an integral part of their community membership and is often a requirement for legal and social recognition.

CONNECTION TO THE LAND

Indigenous peoples' traditional practices, livelihoods, and cultural and spiritual lives are often closely connected to their home region's land, water, and natural resources.

GROUP CONSCIOUSNESS

First Nations people possess a strong sense of group identity, expressed through a common heritage, language, history, and connection to the land. Often, this consciousness emerges as an opposition to the dominant society's policies and practices that seek to assimilate them or undermine their rights.

HISTORICAL DISADVANTAGE

Native peoples are frequently marginalized, disenfranchised, and disadvantaged by post-colonial and settler governments that have sought to erase their cultures and usurp their lands, including reducing access to political power and economic resources.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

International bodies, including the United Nations, have frameworks to protect the rights of indigenous peoples. The UN's definition, guided by the work of José Martínez Cobo (Special Rapporteur on Discrimination against Indigenous Populations), emphasizes non-dominance, cultural difference, and self-identification. Key documents include the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which outlines and protects Indigenous peoples' rights to land, culture, education, and health care, free from discrimination.

Internationally, the best-known indigenous groups include:

AUSTRALIA

Aboriginal Australians–Indigenous peoples of the Australian mainland and Tasmania.
Torres Strait Islanders–Indigenous people of the Torres Strait Islands, part of Queensland.

PALESTINE/ISRAEL

Palestinians—The indigenous population of Arab descent in the regions historically and currently known as Palestine, including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and other faiths.

ZIMBABWE

Shona–The largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe, making up more than 70% of the population.
Ndebele–The second largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe, predominantly in the country's south.

MEXICO

Nahuas–Indigenous people are famously known as Aztecs; they speak Nahuatl and live mainly in central Mexico.
Mayas–Indigenous people known for their historical civilization, residing primarily in the Yucatán Peninsula.
Zapotecs–Indigenous people originally from the Oaxaca region.
Mixtecs–are native to the region known as La Mixteca, which covers parts of Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Puebla.

SOUTH AFRICA

Zulu–One of the significant Bantu groups in South Africa, primarily in KwaZulu-Natal.
Xhosa–Another major Bantu ethnic group living predominantly in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape.
San (Bushmen)–Indigenous hunter-gatherers traditionally live in the Kalahari Desert.
Khoikhoi (Khoi)–Pastoralist people from the Cape region.

GABÓN

Fang –The largest ethnic group, also found in neighboring countries such as Cameroon.
Punu–One of the several Bantu peoples of Gabon.
Obamba–is an indigenous group in the central part of Gabon.

NEW ZEALAND

Māori–The indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, originally from Polynesian islands.

BRAZIL

Brazil is home to a diverse array of indigenous tribes, including:

Guarani: The Guarani are one of the most populous tribes in South America, especially prominent in the southern part of Brazil. They are known for their spiritual beliefs and agricultural practices.

Kayapo: The Kayapo are known for their intricate body paint and headdresses. They reside in the Brazilian Amazon and are very active in environmental and political issues concerning the Amazon rainforest.

Yanomami: This tribe lives in the northern Amazon region along the border between Brazil and Venezuela. The Yanomami have received international attention due to their struggles with illegal mining operations and deforestation.

Tikuna: The Tikuna tribe is the largest indigenous group in the Brazilian Amazon, with a population spanning Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. They are known for their traditional ceremonies and crafts.

NATIVE AMERICANS VS FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE

In the United States, there are currently 574 federally recognized Native American tribes. This count includes both Native American tribes and Alaska Native villages, which are recognized as sovereign entities by the US federal government and are thus entitled to self-government. In Canada, the indigenous people, referred to as First Nations, are represented in 630 distinct populations. Below are the top five groups for each country.

FIVE LARGEST NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES

Here are the five largest tribes by enrollment figures, along with their primary locations:

NAVAJO NATION

Location: Extends into Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico.
Enrollment: +/- 300,000 members.
The Navajo Nation is the largest and one of the most politically influential Native American tribes in the United States. They have the largest reservation, which spans over 17 million acres.

CHEROKEE NATION

Location: Primarily based in Oklahoma.
Enrollment: +/- 200,000 members.
The Cherokee Nation is one of the three federally recognized tribes with the most tribal citizens.

CHOCTAW NATION

Location: Primarily based in Oklahoma.
Enrollment: +/- 200,000 members.
The Choctaw Nation is another of the major tribes in Oklahoma, originally from the Southeastern United States.

SIOUX

Location: The Sioux are divided into groups with populations spread across several states, including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
Enrollment: The Sioux consists of three major divisions (Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota), and enrollment numbers vary; the Sioux have +/- 170,000 members across various subgroups.
The Sioux tribes include several bands and are known for their historical and cultural heritage.

CHIPPEWA (OJIBWE)

Location: Primarily located in the Northern Midwest USA and parts of Canada, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota.
Enrollment: +/- 170,000 members.
The Chippewa, also known as Ojibwe, have several bands that live across a wide area in the United States and Canada.

These tribes are significant because of their large populations and cultural, economic, and political influence in their regions and across the country. Each tribe has its government, laws, police, and services, just like a small country.

CANADA'S FIVE LARGEST FIRST NATIONS

In Canada, the term "tribes" is not used; instead, the terms First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are standard.

More than 630 First Nations governments or bands are spread across Canada, encompassing various cultures, languages, and histories. These First Nations are part of the broader distinctions of Indigenous peoples in Canada, including the Inuit of the Arctic and the Métis people, who trace their descent to Indigenous North Americans and European settlers.

Here are the five largest First Nations by population, along with their primary locations:

SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER

Location: Ontario
Population: +/- 27,000 members.
The Six Nations of the Grand River is the largest First Nation in Canada regarding the population registered under the Indian Act. Initially, this designation covered the Mohawk, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Seneca, and Tuscarora nations.

MOHAWKS OF AKWESASNE

Location: Ontario, Quebec, and part of New York (USA)
Population: +/- 12,300 members.
Akwesasne straddles the borders of Quebec, Ontario, and New York State on the St. Lawrence River. It is unique due to its location across two countries and three jurisdictions.

SQUAMISH NATION

Location: British Columbia
Population: 10,000+ members.
The Squamish Nation lives in the Greater Vancouver Area, including the scenic lands surrounding Howe Sound and the northern part of Vancouver.

TSLEIL-WAUTUTH NATION

Location: British Columbia
Population: +/- 5,000 members.
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation, also known as the "People of the Inlet," is located on the shores of Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

LA LA RONGE INDIAN BAND

Location: Saskatchewan
Population: +/- 11,000 members.
The largest First Nation in Saskatchewan and one of the ten largest in Canada, the Lac La Ronge embodies six northern communities.

These First Nations are crucial to understanding the social, cultural, and political landscape of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Each First Nation governs itself according to its governance systems under the frameworks established by the Canadian government and treaties.

CONCLUSION

Worldwide, First Nations, native peoples, and the original inhabitants of their lands continue to fight for their rights, culture and beliefs, whether self-determination or equal treatment under the law. However, in areas of law enforcement and protection, being an Indigenous person often leads to more crime and less justice, whether in the United States, the Amazon, Yukon or Palestine.

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls is an American awareness campaign designed to focus on increasing safeguards, resources and the reporting of crimes against Native American women and girls in the United States. The day, though, resonates with all indigenous people the world over.

Regardless of borders, they tend to be targeted for crime and abuse at a much higher rate than the population at large. Today is a day to highlight their struggle, wherever they are, on this great blue marble we call home.

Africa

May

Portuguese Language Day, World: May 5

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Bom dia! The date of 5 May is celebrated as "World Portuguese Language Day" to honor the Portuguese language and Lusophone cultures. This day was officially established in 2009 by the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), which is in partnership with UNESCO. The Portuguese language is widely spoken, with over 265 million speakers across the globe, making it one of the most widespread languages. It is also the most commonly spoken language in the southern hemisphere. Portuguese continues to be an important language for international communication and is expected to grow in prominence in the future.

Africa