Articles

Sept 4 - 7 2026: 103rd North Buxton Homecoming

The 103rd North Buxton Homecoming is happening September 4 - 7!
The first Buxton Homecoming began as a picnic under a Pear Tree on Labour Day in 1924 on the Robbins Family Farm, across the street from the present-day Buxton National Historic Site & Museum. Created to bring former residents home to reconnect with family, friends, and community, it captured the true spirit of "homecoming". Today, that small gathering has grown into a four-day Labour Day weekend celebration welcoming over 5 000 visitors each year.
The 103rd Buxton Homecoming, themed "The Power of Community," features music, sports, cultural events, familyContinue reading
The 103rd North Buxton Homecoming is happening September 4 - 7!
The first Buxton Homecoming began as a picnic under a Pear Tree on Labour Day in 1924 on the Robbins Family Farm, across the street from the present-day Buxton National Historic Site & Museum. Created to bring former residents home to reconnect with family, friends, and community, it captured the true spirit of "homecoming". Today, that small gathering has grown into a four-day Labour Day weekend celebration welcoming over 5 000 visitors each year.
The 103rd Buxton Homecoming, themed "The Power of Community," features music, sports, cultural events, family activities, and opportunities to celebrate shared heritage.
Events are open to everyone.
Learn more on the North Buxton Homecoming Facebook page.
Sept 5 & 6 2026: Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit Competition Pow Wow

Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit is hosting their 54th annual Competition Pow Wow on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6th.
Everyone is welcome.

Location: Behind the Community Centre at 14811 Schools Line in Bothwell.
Admission: Adults $10. Seniors/Children under 12 $5. Children under 3 are free.
Grand entry: 12PM and 7PM on Saturday and 12PM on Sunday.
No pets. Drug & alcohol free event. Bring a lawn chair.
For more information visit their Facebook page or contact powwow@delawarenation.on.ca or call main office 519-692-3936 and leave a message

See tips for attending pow wows below the flyer.
Learn more about Pow Wows andContinue reading
Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit is hosting their 54th annual Competition Pow Wow on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6th.
Everyone is welcome.

Location: Behind the Community Centre at 14811 Schools Line in Bothwell.
Admission: Adults $10. Seniors/Children under 12 $5. Children under 3 are free.
Grand entry: 12PM and 7PM on Saturday and 12PM on Sunday.
No pets. Drug & alcohol free event. Bring a lawn chair.
For more information visit their Facebook page or contact powwow@delawarenation.on.ca or call main office 519-692-3936 and leave a message

See tips for attending pow wows below the flyer.
Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:
A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link).
Indigenous Pow Wow Protocols from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)
Indigenous Pow Wow Dances from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)

Tips for Attending:
Listen to the Master of Ceremonies – they’ll explain what’s happening to help visitors.
Ask permission before taking pictures.
Want to get in on the dancing? Listen for the Intertribal dances - these are for all people present to participate in the dance.
Don’t touch people’s regalia without permission. They are not costumes and hold special meaning to dancers.
Support the vendors. Some vendors may have interact or etransfer options, but please make sure you have cash on hand as well.
Outdoor settings are sometimes uneven so watch your footing.
Sometimes bleachers are available for people, but it never hurts to bring a chair with you.
Seats closest to the dancing circle are reserved for singers, dancers, and drummers.
Respect that some sections set aside for those with mobility issues to sit with mobile chairs or walkers.
Leave pets at home as animals are not necessary at cultural gatherings and ceremonial functions.
Don’t bring alcohol or drugs.
Have fun!
Sept 10-20, 2026: CK Welcome Week
Save the Date! Chatham-Kent's annual Welcome Week is happening September 10th - 20th, 2006.
CK Welcome Week is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the diversity of our community.
Stay tuned to the CK Welcome Week website for events.

Host an Event!
Community groups and organizations are invited to host events or collaborate on initiatives that promote inclusion and belonging. Ideas for events or activities you could host during the week are below, though this list is not exhaustive:

an open house or networking event

volunteering opportunity

civic engagement

open book club, or storytelling event

sharing employee experiences

workshops orContinue reading
Save the Date! Chatham-Kent's annual Welcome Week is happening September 10th - 20th, 2006.
CK Welcome Week is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the diversity of our community.
Stay tuned to the CK Welcome Week website for events.

Host an Event!
Community groups and organizations are invited to host events or collaborate on initiatives that promote inclusion and belonging. Ideas for events or activities you could host during the week are below, though this list is not exhaustive:
an open house or networking event
volunteering opportunity
civic engagement
open book club, or storytelling event
sharing employee experiences
workshops or info sessions
cultural and/or artistic demonstrations
classes or interactive learning opportunities
sports, games or family-friendly activities
films or documentaries
Please send the details of your event to cklip@chatham-kent.ca as soon as possible so that your event can be promoted on the CK Welcome Week website and social media.

Participate in CK Welcomes: A Community Showcase
The Community Attraction and Promotion department and the Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership (CK LIP) invite groups to take part in CK Welcomes: A Community Showcase, on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Kingston Park in Chatham.
This event is to help newcomers and international students feel at home in Chatham-Kent. We’re creating a vibrant, welcoming space where residents can connect, explore local opportunities, and discover ways to get involved in our community.
Community groups, including sports and recreation clubs, ethno-cultural organizations, nonprofits, and special interest groups, are invited to host a booth at the event. It’s a fantastic opportunity to:
Promote your programs, services, and activities
Recruit new members or volunteers
Share upcoming events or initiatives
Connect with newcomers and expand your network
Each participating group will be provided with a free 10 ft x 10 ft space to engage with attendees. You may choose either a spot under the pavilion (with a picnic table) or on the grass.
The event will be widely promoted across Chatham-Kent through social media, local media, and community networks to ensure strong attendance.
If you are interested in participating or have questions, please email Teresa Fysh at teresaf@chatham-kent.ca with the following information:
Organization or Group Name
Contact Name
Phone Number
Email Address
A short description of your booth or services
Indicate you want space on the grass or under the pavilion with a picnic table
Sept 12 - 13, 2026: Harvest Moon Pow Wow

Dgwaagig Pii-maadoongeng Dibik Giizis
"Harvest Moon Pow-Wow"
September 12 and 13, 2026
Highbanks Park, Bkejwanong Territory, Walpole Island

For more information visit the Walpole Island First Nation website or the Dgwaagig Pii-maadoongeng Dibik Giizis Facebook Page.

Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:
A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)
Indigenous Pow Wow Protocols from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)
Indigenous Pow Wow Dances from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)
Pow Wow Guide by Full Circle Indigenous(External link)

Tips for Attending:
Listen to the Master of Ceremonies/Emcee – they’ll explain what’s happeningContinue reading
Dgwaagig Pii-maadoongeng Dibik Giizis
"Harvest Moon Pow-Wow"
September 12 and 13, 2026
Highbanks Park, Bkejwanong Territory, Walpole Island

For more information visit the Walpole Island First Nation website or the Dgwaagig Pii-maadoongeng Dibik Giizis Facebook Page.

Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:
A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)
Indigenous Pow Wow Protocols from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)
Indigenous Pow Wow Dances from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)
Pow Wow Guide by Full Circle Indigenous(External link)

Tips for Attending:
Listen to the Master of Ceremonies/Emcee – they’ll explain what’s happening to help visitors.
Ask permission before taking pictures of people. Generally, pictures are not allowed during Grand Entry but allowed at other times, but listen to the MC for instructions.
Use the term 'Regalia' to describe what dancers are wearing.
Don’t touch people’s Regalia without permission. They are not costumes and hold special meaning to dancers.
Seats closest to the dancing circle are reserved for singers, dancers, and drummers.
Respect that some sections set aside for those with mobility issues to sit with mobile chairs or walkers.
Support the vendors. Some vendors may have interact or etransfer options, but please make sure you have cash on hand as well.
Outdoor settings are sometimes uneven so watch your footing.
Sometimes bleachers are available for people, but it never hurts to bring a chair with you.
Leave pets at home.
Don’t bring alcohol or drugs.
Listen for 'Round' or 'Intertribal' dances - times where people of all Nations and without Regalia are usually welcome to join in.
Have fun!
Sept 15 2026: The Renewed Canadian Welcome Book Tour

The Chatham-Kent Public Library is hosting A Renewed Canadian Welcome: Eleven Visions from Migrants and Advocates Book Tour as part of CK Welcome Week.
Rena Namago, Refugee & Migrant Rights Policy Officer with Citizens for Public Justice and a contributor to the book, will be joined by Dr. Vasanthi Venkatesh from the University of Windsor for an interview-style conversation exploring themes of immigration, belonging, and building welcoming communities in Canada.

Tuesday, September 15, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Library Café, Chatham Branch, 120 Queen St., Chatham

Register in advance at: https://cpj.ca/events/the-renewed-canadian-welcome-book-tour-chatham/

Hosted in partnership with Citizens for Public Justice andContinue reading
The Chatham-Kent Public Library is hosting A Renewed Canadian Welcome: Eleven Visions from Migrants and Advocates Book Tour as part of CK Welcome Week.
Rena Namago, Refugee & Migrant Rights Policy Officer with Citizens for Public Justice and a contributor to the book, will be joined by Dr. Vasanthi Venkatesh from the University of Windsor for an interview-style conversation exploring themes of immigration, belonging, and building welcoming communities in Canada.

Tuesday, September 15, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Library Café, Chatham Branch, 120 Queen St., Chatham

Register in advance at: https://cpj.ca/events/the-renewed-canadian-welcome-book-tour-chatham/

Hosted in partnership with Citizens for Public Justice and McGill-Queen's University Press.
Orange Shirt Day & National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30)

September 30th is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Read on to learn about these days, local events, and how to learn more.

About Orange Shirt Day
The Orange Shirt Day movement was started by Phyllis Jack Webstad, a member of Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation and Survivor of the residential school system (also called residential institutions).
When Phllis was six years old and preparing to attend a residential institution, her grandmother bought her a new orange shirt. When she arrived, the shirt was taken from her. This experience became a symbol of the loss, mistreatment, andContinue reading
September 30th is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Read on to learn about these days, local events, and how to learn more.

About Orange Shirt Day
The Orange Shirt Day movement was started by Phyllis Jack Webstad, a member of Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation and Survivor of the residential school system (also called residential institutions).
When Phllis was six years old and preparing to attend a residential institution, her grandmother bought her a new orange shirt. When she arrived, the shirt was taken from her. This experience became a symbol of the loss, mistreatment, and lasting harm experienced by Indigenous children who were forced to attend residential institutions.
Today, Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led day of remembrance, reflection, and learning. It honours Survivors, the children who never returned home, and the families and communities affected by the residential school system. September 30 was chosen because it marks the time of year when many Indigenous children were taken from their families and communities and sent to residential institutions.
Learn more about Orange Shirt Day through the Orange Shirt Society or by reading Phyllis's Orange Shirt.

About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation became a federal statutory holiday in 2021 following a Call to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
It is a day to learn about the truth about Canada's history, including the harms caused by residential institutions and other colonial policies. It is also a reminder that reconciliation is an ongoign responsibility. Through learning, relationship building, and meaningful action, each of us has a role to play in supporting healing, jusitce, and reconciliation.
Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day on the Government of Canada website.

Note: As part of learning 'truth', events and learning resources listed below may include discussions about residential institutions, colonization, racism, violence, loss, and intergenerational trauma. Please use discretion and take care of your wellbeing and access support if needed. Support resources are listed below.

Local Events
Events and descriptions will be updated as more information becomes available. To add an event, contact DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca
Note: Events may include discussions about residential institutions, colonization, racism, violence, loss, and intergenerational trauma. Please take care of your wellbeing and access support if needed. Support resources are listed below.
Wear orange and join events below to listen, learn, reflect, and consider how each of us can support healing, justice, and reconciliation in our communities.
All events are free and open to everyone.
Monday, September 28, 2026, 12:00 p.m.
Survivor's Flag Raising & Information Booths
Chatham Civic Centre, 315 King Street West, Chatham
Partnership with Maawnjidimi Indigenous Network, Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre, and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

Monday, September 28, 2026, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Meet & Greet and Networking
Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham
Following the flag raising, join Maawnjidimi Indigenous Network, Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre, and partners for refreshments and networking.

Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
5th annual Healing Walk & Gathering
Wallaceburg
Join a meaningful walk and gathering to honour local Survivors of residential institutions. Walk begins at Wallaceburg Library and ends at Civic Square Park for the gathering. Please feel free to bring lawn chairs. Partnership between Walpole Island Employment & Training and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Screening of Meadowlarks
Chatham Capitol Theatre
Inspired by true events, Meadowlarks follows four Cree siblings who were separated as children through Canada’s Sixties Scoop and reunite for the first time as adults. Over the course of a weekend in Banff, they confront their pasts, explore their identities, and begin a journey toward healing, understanding, and family connection. This moving Canadian drama offers a powerful story of resilience, reconciliation, and hope. Sponsored by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice team and Chatham-Kent Film Group.

Continue Learning
Can't attend an event in person? There are many ways to learn on September 30 and throughout the year. Listen to Survivors, explore Indigenous voices and perspectives, and deepen your understanding of the history and ongoing impacts of residential institutions and colonization.

Listen:
A Day to Listen (September 30th)
Tune in to your favourite local radio station to learn about moving reconciliation forward in meaningful ways. Learn more from the Downie & Wenjack Fund website.
Unreserved
A CBC radio space for Indigenous voices. Host Rosanne Deerchild guides listeners on the path to better understand our shared story. Together, we learn and unlearn, laugh and become gentler in all our relations.

Watch:
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Daily Lunch and Learns - September 21 - 25, 1:00 - 2:00p.m.
Join daily Lunch and Learn webinars – an immersive experience to UN-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada. Aimed at an adult audience, and open to the public. Hosted virtually over Zoom Webinar and streamed to YouTube. Includes simultaneous English-French, and ASL interpretation. Presented with the gracious support of Enbridge and the Canadian Public Health Association.
Remembering the Children: Live Event Broadcast - September 30, 12:00 p.m.
Watch the national event at Parliament Hill. Watch and learn more on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.
Orange Shirt Day
Learn about the origins of Orange Shirt Day through this Youtube video by the Orange Shirt Society.
We Are Still Here and Aftershock Documentaries
Three local women from Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Sarnia, and the Bjekwanong First Nation on Walpole Island, share their memories of surviving residential institutions in this YouTube Video. Then, watch Aftershock, a documentary that features the children of the women in We Are Still Here.
The Secret Path
Animated film adaptation of Gord Downie's album and Jeff Lemire's graphic novel about the life of Chanie Wenjack.
Kevin Lamoureux on Truth and Reconciliation
Kevin Lamoureux, the Associate Vice-President of Indigenous Affairs at the University of Winnipeg, speaks about Truth and Reconciliation at a TEDx event in this YouTube clip.
The Sixties Scoop in Canada
A CBC video on YouTube about how Canada took thousands of Indigenous children from their parents between the 1960s and the 1980s, and how the effects are still being felt today.
Dr. Maureen Lux on the Painful History of Indian hospitals
An APTN video on YouTube about the history of 'Indian' hospitals in Canada.

Read:
Residential Schools Timeline
A visual timeline of residential institutions in Canada. Find it on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.
The Witness Blank
Explore items reclaimed from residential institutions, churches, government buildings accompanied by the voices of Survivors. Visit The Witness Blanket website.
The dark history of Canada's Food Guide: How experiments on Indigenous children shaped nutrition policy
A CBC article and recording in which Unreserved host Roseanne Deerchild explores how nutritional studies and experiments were performed in Indigenous communities and residential schools in the 1940s and '50s.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action
Drafted from consultations with residential institution survivors and family members across Canada. Recommendations are directed at individuals, organizations, and all levels of government. Read the Calls to Action on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.
21 Things You May Not Have Known About the Indian Act
An article from Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. about the Indian Act in Canada.
CK Road to Understanding Indigenous Cultures
Learn about local First Nations, relationships with government, and Treaties. Find the resource on the Living CK website. Hard copies of this resource are available by contacting us.
CK Public Library Resources
Visit the CKPL website to find books and other resources to learn about our shared past and how we can move towards healing, justice, and reconciliation.

Supports
You are not alone. Support is available.
If learning about residential institutions and the impacts of colonization bring up difficult emotions, consider reaching out to family, friends, Elders, community supports, or professional services. The following resources are available 24 hours a day:
Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help 24/7 to all Indigenous Peoples in Canada. 1-855-242-3310 (toll free) or online chat www.hopeforwellness.ca
National Residential School Crisis Line provides 24/7 crisis support to former Residential School students and their families. 1-866-925-4419 (toll free)
2026 Community Satisfaction Surveys

Complete a Survey for your chance to win! Shape how the Municipality invests in our community!
The Municipality wants to hear from you. Your feedback will help staff and Council better understand what matters most to residents, where services are meeting expectations, and where there may be opportunities to improve. The results will help inform future budgets and investment decisions.
You use municipal services. You pay for them through taxes and utility rates. Your experience and priorities matter.
Do you want expanded library hours? More investment in parks and trails? Different recreation priorities? We want to hear from you.
YourContinue reading
Complete a Survey for your chance to win! Shape how the Municipality invests in our community!
The Municipality wants to hear from you. Your feedback will help staff and Council better understand what matters most to residents, where services are meeting expectations, and where there may be opportunities to improve. The results will help inform future budgets and investment decisions.
You use municipal services. You pay for them through taxes and utility rates. Your experience and priorities matter.
Do you want expanded library hours? More investment in parks and trails? Different recreation priorities? We want to hear from you.
Your feedback will help identify where residents see the greatest value and help guide the difficult choices that come with balancing community needs, service levels, and affordability.
These surveys are not a one-time conversation. Additional surveys will take place in the future to gather feedback on other services, including areas such as public transportation, roads, and emergency services. Moving forward, the survey will be conducted twice a year to provide ongoing community input throughout the planning and budget process.
Anyone who completes at least one of the surveys below and provides contact information will be entered into a draw to win a gift basket made up of great locally sourced items from local businesses!
Learn more and fill out the surveys at Let's Talk Chatham-Kent.
Resources for Running for Municipal Council
The next municipal election in Chatham-Kent is October 26, 2026. Below are resources for people about voting or who are considering running for Council.

Chatham-Kent Election Information
General Election information: Chatham-Kent | 2026 Municipal Election
Candidate Information: Candidate Information

Resources from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) hosted a series of FREE workshops for people thinking about running for municipal Council in 2026, with some specifically for equity-deserving communities.
Other resources they offer:

Learn how to get involved in 2026 municipal elections

Learn about the general process of running for local Council

Continue reading
The next municipal election in Chatham-Kent is October 26, 2026. Below are resources for people about voting or who are considering running for Council.

Chatham-Kent Election Information
General Election information: Chatham-Kent | 2026 Municipal Election
Candidate Information: Candidate Information

Resources from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) hosted a series of FREE workshops for people thinking about running for municipal Council in 2026, with some specifically for equity-deserving communities.
Other resources they offer:
Learn how to get involved in 2026 municipal elections
Learn about the general process of running for local Council
Find resources and organizations for equity-deserving communities considering running

Other Ways to Shape Municipal Decisions
Learn about other ways to get involved in municipal government on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent website
Report hate or discrimination in CK
CK Victim Services has launched a new online tool to report incidents of hate or discrimination in CK.
This new tool will give people an option to report outside of going to the police. Many people don’t report experiences motivated by hate or bias to police. The intention of this new tool is to 1) ensure that people can get access to supports if they need it, and 2) use the combined data to get an idea of trends in the community.
Key points:

The tool is available on Victim Services website http://www.ckvictimservices.com/report-hate

People can also call Victim Services atContinue reading
CK Victim Services has launched a new online tool to report incidents of hate or discrimination in CK.
This new tool will give people an option to report outside of going to the police. Many people don’t report experiences motivated by hate or bias to police. The intention of this new tool is to 1) ensure that people can get access to supports if they need it, and 2) use the combined data to get an idea of trends in the community.
Key points:

The tool is available on Victim Services website http://www.ckvictimservices.com/report-hate

People can also call Victim Services at 519-436-6630 and leave a message saying they want to make a report. Calls will be returned within 3 business days.

People can report their own experiences or experiences they witnessed.

People have the option of submitting an anonymous report or providing their contact information and indicating that they would like support from Victim Services.

Hate or discrimination could include things like (but is not limited to) harassment, intimidation, threats, denial of services, witnessing or seeing vandalism aimed at a person or the broader community because of a person’s race, ethnic origin, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disabilities, or other identities.
Sign up for CK's Emergency Notification Service

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has launched CKAlert, a new emergency notification service.
Signing up for this service will allow residents to receive important public safety messages in the event of a major emergency in the community, such as flooding, boil water advisories, major road closures, and more.
Learn more about the service and sign up on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's website.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has launched CKAlert, a new emergency notification service.
Signing up for this service will allow residents to receive important public safety messages in the event of a major emergency in the community, such as flooding, boil water advisories, major road closures, and more.
Learn more about the service and sign up on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's website.