Recognition and Adornment 

At the February 18, 2025 Council meeting, Council directed staff to develop a Recognition and Awareness Policy. In the meantime, at the same meeting, Council direction was provided on recognition activities for 2025 to include: 

Event Recognition Briefs 

Black History Month (for 2026) 

Recognition Period: February 1 (for the month)
Recognition: Flags at Roundabout
Brief:
Throughout February, the District will fly flags at the roundabout to honour Black History Month, recognizing the achievements, culture, and contributions of Black individuals. This visual display aims to promote awareness, inclusivity, and community engagement, reflecting Sooke’s dedication as a Compassionate City to fostering understand and equality.  

Resources: 

Guiding Lights Across BC/World Thinking Day 

Recognition Period: February 22 (+/- 7 days)
Recognition: Blue Lights at Municipal Hall
Brief:
To support the Guiding Lights Across BC initiative and World Thinking Day, Municipal Hall will be illuminated in blue lights for up to seven days around February 22. This day is observed annually on February 22, is a global event that celebrates the sisterhood and solidarity of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide. Originating in 1926, this day encourages participants to reflect on global issues, appreciate cultural diversity, and take action to create positive change. As part of this celebration, communities like Sooke illuminate buildings with blue lights to symbolize awareness and unity.  

Resources: 

  • World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts World Thinking Day: History & Impact 

 Epilepsy Awareness 

Recognition Period: March 26 (+/- 7 days)
Recognition: Purple Lights at Municipal Hall
Brief:
In recognition of Epilepsy Awareness Day, also known as Purple Day, Municipal Hall will shine with purple lights. This illumination is a visual reminder to foster understanding and empathy for individuals living with epilepsy. 

Resources: 

Red Dress Day 

Recognition Period: May 5 (Permanent Installation)
Recognition: Permanent Art Installation at Municipal Hall
Brief:
A permanent art installation at Municipal Hall serves as a tribute to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). This installation acts as a lasting reminder of the need for justice, awareness, and systemic change. 

Resources: 

 Sooke Flag 

Recognition Period: June 7 (+/- 7 days)
Recognition: Flags at Roundabout
Brief:
The District fly’s the Sooke’s Flag at the roundabout, fostering local pride and community spirit, celebrating Sooke’s heritage and growth.  

The flag is divided diagonally into four triangular sections, alternating between red and yellow. Red symbolizes the strength, vitality, and spirit of the Sooke community, while yellow represents prosperity, warmth, and the natural beauty of the region. It includes a combination of salmon and axes illustrates the balance between Sooke’s natural environment and its working-class history. 

Salmon are deeply significant to both the T’Sou-ke Nation and the broader community, representing sustenance, resilience, and a connection to the ocean and rivers.

On the left and right sides of the flag are two traditional logger’s axes with white handles and red blades adorned with yellow stripes. These axes symbolize Sooke’s historical roots in forestry and the logging industry, reflecting the region’s pioneering spirit and labour heritage. 

National Indigenous Peoples Day 

Recognition Period: June 21 (+/- 7 days)
Recognition: Orange Flags in Town Centre
Brief:
Orange flags will be displayed in the Town Centre to celebrate Indigenous culture, history, and contributions. This observance emphasizes the District’s commitment to reconciliation, inclusivity, and mutual respect. 

Resources: 

Canada Day 

Recognition Period: July 1 (+/- 7 days, until July 3)
Recognition: Canada Day Flags in Town Centre
Brief:
In honour of Canada Day, flags will be displayed in the Town Centre to celebrate the nation’s heritage and diverse culture. This adornment aims to create a festive atmosphere that encourages community celebration and unity. 

Resources: 

  • Government of Canada Canada Day Portal: https://www.canada.ca 
  • District of Sooke Canada Day Festival is held annually at the Sooke Flats (Sooke River Campground), see sooke.ca/events for details as the event approaches. 

 Pride 

Recognition Period: July 3 (+7 days)
Recognition: Pride Flags in Town Centre; Pride Flag at Ed Macgregor Park Flagpole
Brief:
Pride flags will be displayed to support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, promoting inclusivity, acceptance, and equality. 

Resources: 

Overdose Awareness Day 

Recognition Period: August 31 (+/- 7 days)
Recognition: Purple Lights at Highway 14 Roundabout
Brief:
To raise awareness about overdose prevention and commemorate lives lost, the Highway 14 roundabout will be illuminated in purple lights. This initiative aims to foster compassion, reduce stigma, and promote education on substance use disorders. 

Resources: 

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation 

Recognition Period: September 30 (+/- 1 day, as requested by T’Sou-ke Nation)
Recognition: Orange Flags in Town Centre
Brief:
Orange flags will be displayed in the Town Centre to honor the survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. This visual recognition reinforces the District’s commitment to truth, reconciliation, and fostering a future built on respect and understanding. 

Resources: 

Hallowe’en

Recognition Period: October 31 (+/- 14 days)
Recognition: Hallowe’en Decor in Town Centre
Brief:
The Town Centre will be adorned with Hallowe’en-themed decorations to create festive fun. This adornment encourages community engagement, family-friendly activities, and seasonal enjoyment. 

Remembrance Day

Recognition Period: November 11 (+/- 7 days)
Recognition: Roundabout Decor and care of the Cenotaph
Brief:
The roundabout will be decorated, and the Cenotaph will be maintained to honor those who have served and sacrificed in military conflicts. This recognition fosters reflection, remembrance, and community participation in memorial ceremonies. 

Resources: 

Louis Riel Day

Recognition Period: November 16 (+/- 7 days)
Recognition: Métis Flag at Ed Macgregor Park Flagpole
Brief:
To commemorate Louis Riel Day, the Métis Flag will be flown at Ed Macgregor Park. This display acknowledges the contributions and cultural heritage of the Métis people, reinforcing the District’s commitment to diversity and historical awareness. 

Resources: 

Christmas

Recognition Period: December (+/- 30 days)
Recognition: Christmas Decor in Town Centre
Brief:
Throughout December, the Town Centre and Wadams Way will feature festive Christmas decorations to create a warm and joyful holiday atmosphere. This adornment fosters community spirit, seasonal celebrations, and local engagement. 

Resources: 

  • Refer to sooke.ca/events for activities celebrating the season throughout the month of December.