All - Leep Calendar

Created in 1949 by Mental Health America, National Mental Health Month seeks to: 1) Build public awareness of the importance of mental health to one's overall health and wellness; 2) Inform the public of the ways that the mind and body interact with each other; 3) Provide tips and tools for taking positive actions to protect mental health and promote whole health. Hundreds of organizations participate throughout the United States. Check with local Mental Health facilities for events in your city.

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May

Met Gala (US-NY): May 4

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Did you get an invite? Me neither. The Met is the premier "Page Six" event in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit. The formal event is a who's who of celebrities, politicians, and socialites. It is the foremost "fashion" show of the year. Funds raised from the event benefit the Costume Institute.

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May

Microchip Your Pet Month (US): May*

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If you've ever lost a pet, you know the stress and anguish you go through. Microchipping your pet is one way to help increase the chances that your pet is returned to you. Vets, rescue missions, and animal control personnel routinely scan animals. It is also required if you travel with your pet overseas. Microchipping is harmless to your pet and an extra layer of security for you. Look for discounts and special pet chipping programs in your community this month.

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May

Midnight Sun (NO): May 14 - July 30

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If you've ever wished you didn't have to go to sleep when the sun goes down, head to North Cape in Norway. Between May 14 and July 30 each year, the sun never sets below the horizon, and it is genuinely 24 hours of sunshine. North Cape is the northernmost town in Europe and is well inside the Arctic Circle.

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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.

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May

Military Appreciation Month, Ntl.: May

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National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM), created in 1999, was initially designated by Congress. The purpose is to learn more about the history and recognition of the US armed services, the individuals who serve, and their achievements. Events tied to National Military Appreciation Month include: Loyalty Day: May 1 VE (Victory in Europe) Day: May 8 Military Spouse Appreciation Day: May 9 Armed Forces Day: May 17 Memorial Day: Last Monday in May. The month remembers, honors, and recognizes all military personnel, those men and women who have served throughout our history, those now serving, their families, and those who have given their lives in defense of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserves, retirees and veterans, and more than 90 million Americans over the past 250 years. Funds raised during this month go to The Armed Forces Children's Education Fund, Inc. and other non-profits geared at assisting those who serve, have served, and their families.

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May

Military Spouses Day: May 8

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Military Spouse Appreciation Day occurs Friday before Mother’s Day in the United States. Military Spouses are an invaluable asset to securing and safeguarding the United States. They support their soldiers, seamen, and marines through missions, deployments, reintegration, and resets. It’s one of the most challenging jobs in the world, given spouses can often be away for months or years at a time, and due to security reasons, their whereabouts are unknown. A spouse never knows if the last time they see their spouse will be the last time. Local events in military communities include cooking, fashion shows, workshops, sporting events, and family entertainment. See your branch’s local MWR for an itinerary. President Reagan first acknowledged this event in 1984.

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May

Miniature Golf Day, Ntl.: May 9

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The second Saturday in May is National Miniature Golf Day. Miniature golf became an official competitive sport in the US in the 1930s and has been a beloved leisure activity worldwide even longer. See your local miniature golf park for specials on this day.

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May

Missing and Exploited Children's Day, Intl.: May 25

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International Missing & Exploited Children's Day began in 1979. President Ronald Reagan made it an official US observance in 1983. Supported by various organizations, including the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, it's a day focused on raising awareness about abduction threats and the exploitation of children and teens worldwide.

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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. Gabon 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

Moms Week, Salute to 35+: May 10-16

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In developed nations, women are waiting longer to have children, which has advantages. Older mothers have more life experience and are generally wealthier and more mature. Of course, it has its drawbacks. After thirty-five, it can be difficult to conceive, energy is not as plentiful, and it is much harder to lose the baby weight. Salute to 35+ Moms Week is about supporting moms with more life experience than baby experience and helping them be the best moms they can be.

Africa

May

Moon—First Quarter: May 23

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The first quarter moon occurs when the moon is one-half illuminated by the sun. Each day forward increases the amount of the moon you can see. The first quarter typically occurs seven days after the New Moon.

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May

Moon—Full: May 1

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A full moon occurs when the moon is illuminated by the sun and on the opposite side of the earth. Its ecliptic longitude is 180 degrees. For centuries, people have applied names to full moons to track the seasons and as a point of reference. The names listed below come from Native American and Colonial American traditions passed down through generations. Here are the common names for full moons in each month in the Northern Hemisphere (the Southern Hemisphere doesn't do this tradition): January: Wolf Moon—Named after the howling of wolves during the cold winter nights. February: Snow Moon—Named for the typically heavy snowfall. March: Worm Moon—As the ground thaws, earthworms emerge, attracting birds. April: Seed Moon—Time to plant for the fall harvest. May: Flower Moon—Named for the abundance of flowers in May. June: Strawberry Moon— due to the short harvesting season for strawberries in the northeastern United States. July: Buck Moon—when new antlers grow on male deer (bucks). August: Sturgeon Moon—when sturgeon fish are abundant in North America's Great Lakes. September: Harvest Moon—time to harvest crops. October: Hunter's Moon—game is at its fattest, allowing hunters to stock up for the winter months. November: Beaver Moon—when beavers build their winter dams. December: Cold Moon—long, dark, and cold nights. Full moon names vary between cultures, regions, and traditions; several full moons have alternative names. The above are the most common. A blue moon occurs when two full moons are in a single month, and February is the only month in the year that occasionally does not have a full moon. A blood moon describes a total lunar eclipse.

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May

Moon—New: May 16

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The new moon occurs when the moon and the sun have the same elliptical longitude when the moon is at its closest point to the sun in its orbit. From earth, we usually cannot see it. The new moon is considered the first phase.

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May

Moon—Third Quarter: May 9

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Today is the third quarter of the moon, meaning it is halfway between the full moon and the new moon.

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