Proclamations

January

Himalayan Samarpan Meditation Awareness Month, January 2026

WHEREAS, the Shree Shivkrupanand Swami Foundation Canada also known as Himalayan Samapran Medication Canada is a spiritual organization dedicated to promoting the personal growth, inner peace and spiritual awareness through the practice of meditation; and

WHEREAS, the Himalayan Samarpan Meditation Canada has been founded by Shree Shivkrupanand Swami, who has dedicated his life for spreading the message of Universal Love (One World, One Family); World Peace through Inner Peace; the individual spiritual awakening through the practice of meditation; and

WHEREAS, Shree Shivkruapanand Swami graced the City of St. John's with his visit in August of 2009 to delivered a discourse and answer spiritual questions from the citizens of St. John's; and

WHEREAS, Shree Shivkrupanand Swami's teachings emphasize on the importance of connecting with one's inner self to achieve harmony and balance in life, inspiring countless individuals (in more than 72 countries) on the journey of self-discovery and inner peace; and

WHEREAS, the practice of Himalayan Samarpan Meditation has shown significant benefits in reducing stress, improving mental health, enhancing overall quality of life, all of which advance the Vision of the City of St. John's of having people who are vibrant, sustainable and connected; and

WHEREAS, the Himalayan Samarpan Meditation practice is a simple, experience-based process that can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their background, gender, race, religion, colour or lifestyle, requiring comparatively less effort for significant spiritual experience; and

WHEREAS, the Himalayan Samarpan Meditation is taught for free globally through workshops, retreats; and

WHEREAS, the Shree Shivkrupanand Swami Foundation Canada also known as Himalayan Samarpan Meditation has actively organized free meditation sessions, workshops and retreats in the City of St. John's to educate and encourage individuals to embrace transformative power of Meditation; and

THEREFORE, I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim the month of January 2026 as Himalayan Samarpan Meditation Awareness Month.

Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day, January 26, 2026

WHEREAS: Kawasaki Disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children and affects children around the globe. Early diagnosis is a matter of life or death and/or lifelong coronary distress. Early detection is critical; increased awareness of early symptoms is imperative to diagnosis and effective treatment. We want Kawasaki disease to be top of mind of Canadians and for us to increase awareness and save children's hearts from the effects of Kawasaki disease; and

WHEREAS: Kawasaki Disease Canada is the only Canadian national charity working to improve outcomes of Kawasaki disease and at the forefront of Kawasaki disease issues by collaborating with families affected by the disease and medical professionals. January 26 is the anniversary of the day in 1961 that Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki began to recognize a cluster of symptoms that led to the classification "Kawasaki disease". It has been more than 50 years, the cause of the disease is still unknown. Increased awareness is imperative. Kawasaki Disease Canada supports international partners in the quest to increase awareness and is pursuing this proclamation across Canada; and

WHEREAS: Kawasaki Disease Canada’s mission is to ensure Kawasaki disease is top-of-mind for Canadians. Our vision is saving children’s hearts from the effects of Kawasaki disease. Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day aims to bring awareness and education to the community about the importance of early detection.

WHEREAS: On this day, the 26th day of January, the observance and recognition of Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day will increase public understanding of this serious childhood illness, promote early recognition of symptoms and encourage timely medical intervention while strengthening community support for affected children and families, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and a healthier, more informed community.

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim January 26, 2026, as Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day in the City of St. John’s.

February

Heritage Week, February 16-20, 2026

WHEREAS, the third Monday in February is recognized nationally as Heritage Day; and

WHEREAS, Heritage Day and Heritage Week are a time to reflect on the achievements of past generations and to accept responsibility for protecting our heritage; and

WHEREAS, our citizens should be encouraged to celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador’s uniqueness and to rejoice in our heritage; and

WHEREAS, in 2026 the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador will celebrate our rich and diverse heritage.
THEREFORE, I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim Monday, February 16, 2026 as Heritage Day and February 16-20, 2026 as Heritage Week, and call upon all citizens to celebrate the richness of our past and the promise of our future.

Wear Red Canada Day, February 13, 2026

WHEREAS: Heart disease is the number one killer of women worldwide and the leading cause of premature death for Canadian women, a fact unknown to many women and their healthcare providers; and

WHEREAS: The Canadian Women’s Heart Health Alliance is an organization of volunteer health professionals and patients working hard to improve women’s heart health; and

WHEREAS: Wear Red Canada Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness for all Canadians, but especially Canadian women, to be mindful, curious, and proactive in the management of their heart health and wellness; and

WHEREAS: We want to see better prevention, diagnosis, and care and fewer women dying prematurely from heart disease;

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim Friday, February 13, 2026, as Wear Red Canada Day in the City of St. John’s.

March

Amyloidosis Awareness Month, March 2026

WHEREAS: March is Amyloidosis Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness, funding research and supporting those living with amyloidosis and their loved ones; and

WHEREAS: Amyloidosis is a group of diseases that occurs when an abnormal protein, known as amyloid, builds up in the tissues and organs of the body. Left untreated, the disease can result in organ failure and can be fatal; and

WHEREAS: Amyloidosis can mimic the signs and symptoms of more common medical conditions and the disease can be challenging to diagnose; and

WHEREAS: Amyloidosis often affects people who are older or middle aged; however, younger people have been diagnosed with this disease; and

WHEREAS: Some of the signs and symptoms of amyloidosis can include shortness of breath, weight loss, fatigue, swelling in the ankles and legs, numbness in the hands and feet, foamy urine, carpal tunnel syndrome, bruising around the eyes, and an enlarged tongue; and

WHEREAS: Early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes for both patients and their families; and

WHEREAS: Raising awareness about all the amyloidosis diseases, including hereditary and non-hereditary forms of the disease, can contribute to the building of healthier communities across Canada.

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim March, as Amyloidosis Awareness Month in the City of St. John’s.

Easter Seals Month, March 2026

WHEREAS: More than 130,000 people of all ages in our province live with disabilities such as physical, sensory, cognitive, or other disabilities that present barriers to full participation in society; and

WHEREAS: Easter Seals Newfoundland & Labrador is a charitable organization with a vision for a community where all people with disabilities live full, healthy, and active lives. A mission to engage, inspire, and maximize opportunities for people with disabilities of all ages by providing meaningful programs and services; and

WHEREAS: Easter Seals NL’s Recreation Programs help those with disabilities explore what they can do, through independence camps, art and music therapy, and adaptive sports, promoting full, active, and healthy, socially engaged lifestyles; and

WHEREAS: Easter Seals NL offers Employment and Educational Services to assist those with barriers to employment in successfully transitioning from home and school into adulthood and independence with a focus on preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining gainful employment; and

WHEREAS: Easter Seals NL’s ‘I Can Too’ Disability Awareness Program activities foster disability awareness and sensitivity and provide tools for accessibility and inclusion;

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim March, as Easter Seals Month in the City of St. John’s.

World Kidney Day, March 12, 2026

WHEREAS: One in ten Canadians live with chronic kidney disease. CKD affects one in three indigenous. Survival will depend on dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant. Kidney disease is the tenth leading cause of death in Canada. Kidney disease accounts for approximately 71% of the national organ transplant waitlist; and

WHEREAS: The Kidney Foundation of Canada is the only national health charity serving the needs of people living with kidney disease through funding research, educational and emotional support programs, promotes access to high quality case, and, actively promoting awareness of and commitment to kidney health and organ donation; and

WHEREAS: March 12^th, 2026, is World Kidney Day the Kidney Foundation, Atlantic Branch aims to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems.

THEREFORE: I, Mayor Danny Breen, do hereby proclaim March 12^th, 2026, as World Kidney Day in the City of St. John’s.