Great Lakes Awareness Day

Deepthi Reddy
Dec 22, 2023 By Deepthi Reddy
Originally Published on Mar 17, 2022
Fact-checked by Dimple Malhotra
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Great Lakes Awareness Day demonstrates the importance of the Great Lakes.

Where is Great Lakes Awareness Day observed?

Great Lakes Awareness Day is observed in the U.S. and Canada.

Who is Great Lakes Awareness Day observed by?

Great Lakes Awareness Day has mainly been observed by the people on both sides of the lakes border.

When did Great Lakes Awareness Day first start?

The first celebration is unknown, but according to some sources, this day was observed at the Aquarium of Niagara in 2014.

Who started Great Lakes Awareness Day?

The origin of this day is unclear, but it was started to create awareness about the threats to the Great Lakes.

Lake Michigan is one of the largest freshwater lakes by surface in the world.

History And Timeline

Great Lakes Awareness Day is observed annually on the first Monday of May to spread awareness about the threats to the Great Lakes flowing from east to west.

Trade Through Great Lakes 

Several Native Americans started using the Great Lakes to exchange copper, fur, and other animal products.

1000 AD

Heavy Pollution

Several environmentalists claimed that Lake Erie might be dead due to factories dumping industrial waste over many decades.

1960

First Clean Water Act 

Though vetoed by President Richard Nixon, the first Clean Water Act was passed in the U.S. through Congressional Legislation to safeguard and protect the Great Lakes Basin.

1972

Great Lakes Awareness Day Celebrated

The official Great Lakes Awareness Day was observed at the Aquarium of Niagara to promote the sacred significance of these lakes, and the importance of the flora and fauna that depend on them.

2014

Anishinabek Nation Declaration

Grand Council Chief, Glen Hare of Anishinabek Nation, proclaimed April 22 as Great Lakes Day to remember and honor the water walkers and water protectors.

2019

Traditions And Customs

There is not much information about the traditions, but organizations such as schools, museums, and aquariums organize events to raise awareness about the threats to the Great Lakes and their protection.

Ways To Observe Great Lakes Awareness Day

In honor of this day, plan events like lakeside adventure and exploring. Learn about the issues and participate in any event organized to protect the lakes.

Facts And Stats

  • Lake Michigan is the sixth-largest body of freshwater lake globally and is popular for sailing, shipping, boating, and fishing.
  • The Great Lakes basin encompasses large parts of the United States and Canada.
  • The five Great Lakes are also called inland seas because of their sea-like characteristics.
  • Lake Huron and Erie are named after the tribes along their shores.

What is the significance of Great Lakes Awareness Day?

Great Lakes Awareness Day is observed annually to highlight the negative impacts of climate change on the Great Lakes and how to protect them.

What are three facts about the Great Lakes?

The Great Lakes form the largest freshwater system globally. Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake that lies entirely within America. The Great Lakes are made up of 35,000 islands.

Why are the Great Lakes so important?

The Great Lakes provide many economic benefits, including energy, drinking water, irrigation, habitat for over 170 species of fish, and recreational activities.

What are the Great Lakes' names?

The five Great Lakes are Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, Lake Ontario, and Lake Erie.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Monday, May 04, 2020
  • Monday, May 03, 2021
  • Monday, May 02, 2022
  • Monday, May 08, 2023
  • Monday, May 06, 2024

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Written by Deepthi Reddy

Master of Business Administration

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Deepthi ReddyMaster of Business Administration

With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.

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Fact-checked by Dimple Malhotra

Bachelor of Management Studies specializing in Finance

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Dimple MalhotraBachelor of Management Studies specializing in Finance

Dimple is a final-year management studies student from Sheila Raheja School of Business Management and Research with a passion for teaching the English language and artistic design. She has earned distinctions in commerce and science modules and is currently pursuing courses in UI/UX design and Social Media Management to advance her career. She is experienced in content editing and proofreading, data monitoring, and search engine optimization.

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