August 9 is International Day of the World's Indigenous People. Declared by the United Nations (UN), this is a day to promote and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous populations and recognize the achievements and contributions that Indigenous peoples make to improve world issues, ...such as environmental protection.

In 2026, the theme is "Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being." This is an opportunity to recognize their role as knowledge holders and caregivers while reaffirming the importance of Indigenous knowledge systems in safeguarding life and advancing culturally appropriate approaches to well-being for future generations.

There are an estimated 476 million Indigenous Peoples in the world living across 90 countries, including Canada, and representing 5,000 different cultures. Commemorating International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on Aug. 9 each year raises awareness of their needs. The date was chosen to in recognition of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982.

Learn more at https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day

It’s summertime! When the weather heats up, it’s good to be prepared to safely enjoy summer activities.

Keep cool and hydrated and minimize your time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Drink plenty of water, find shade, visit cool buildings, slow down, bathe in cool water and wear ...light-coloured clothing.

Never leave children or pets inside a parked car. When the outside air temperature is 23 degrees Celsius, the temperature inside a vehicle can be extremely dangerous – more than 50 degrees Celsius.

Learn more at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety.html?source=health_concern-sun_safe&medium=banner&content=en&campaign=footer

Lanark County is seeking proposals for the creation of affordable housing units within the County of Lanark and the Town of Smiths Falls.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued for non-profit corporations, co-operative housing providers, Indigenous organizations or other eligible ...non-profit housing providers to create new rent-geared to income (RGI) and affordable housing units in the county or Town of Smiths Falls through new construction or the conversion of existing non-residential buildings.

The submission deadline is 12 p.m. on Aug. 24. See the RFP document (LC-2026-04) at https://www.lanarkcounty.ca/working/bidding-opportunities/