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  • Event: 101st Annual Buxton Homecoming


    Friday August 30th - Monday, September 2nd, events will be held to honour the 101st Buxton Homecoming. The 2024 theme is Celebrating the Music of Buxton.

    Originally held to encourage former residents to return home to visit Buxton as part of a picnic, the event now sees over 4000 visitors from across Ontario and the US gather to celebrate heritage through music, sports, and a variety of fun activities.

    During this weekend celebration, 4,000+ visitors celebrate their heritage through music, sports and a variety of fun activities, including the Annual History & Genealogy Conference; the Party in the Park (dance); the Family Feud softball tournament; craft & food vendors; 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament; historical re-enactments; Car Show; parade; live entertainment showcasing local artists and street performers; museum tours; children’s activities; special church services and more.

    Learn more by visiting the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum website or contact buxtonhomecoming@gmail.com or 519-352-4799.

  • Event: Aug 31 & Sept 1 2024 Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit Pow Wow

    Flyer promoting the event. Details available on the Eelunaapeewi Lahkeewiit website.


    On August 31st and September 1st 2024, Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit will host their 52nd Annual Competition Pow Wow.

    Free to attend. All are welcome.

    Learn more about the Pow Wow on their website.

    Contact organizers at Powwow2024@delawarenation.on.ca or 519.692.3936 with questions or concerns.


    Learn more about Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit

    Learn more about the Lunaapeew and , Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit on their website.


    Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:

    A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows from Indigenous Corporate Training

    Indigenous Pow Wow Protocols from Indigenous Corporate Training

    Indigenous Pow Wow Dances from Indigenous Corporate Training


    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 partake 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. Accredited service animals we welcomed.
    • Don’t bring alcohol or drugs.
    • Have fun!

  • Learning about racism in Health Care in CK

    Flyer promoting the Seen & Heard project. The flyer contains QR codes that lead to the same links listed below. Text: Seen & Heard in Chatham-Kent. Have you experienced racism in health care in Chatham-Kent? We are interested in hearing from you. Let's talk about it in a safe space so we can create positive change! Complete the survey (with a QR code). Sign up for a focus group (with at QR code). Be entered into a draw to win a grocery gift card for your participation. This initiative is being led by Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team's Anti-Black Racism/Anti-Oppression Action Team. Logo of Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team is at the bottom.


    Have you experienced racism or discrimination in a health care setting in Chatham-Kent? CKOHT would like to hear about your experience. The CKOHT is committed to learning about experiences of racism and discrimination in order to make improvements in local health care.

    Please fill out the survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y5YRSPK

    Participate in one of the upcoming virtual focus groups in August: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2C27MKY

  • Event: CK Pride Week 2024


    Poster of events happening for CK Pride week 2024. Text describing events is listed below.


    CK Pride Week is August 10 - August 18, 2024! Visit the CK Pride website for more details.


    Pride Week is a time to honour and celebrate the diverse Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual and additional identities (2SLGBTQIA+) people and communities in Chatham-Kent!


    Learn more about why we celebrate 'Pride' from a past post on our DEIJ website.


    2024 Events

    Saturday, August 10

    11:00AM Ride into Pride with Revolve Spin Co. and POPArt

    9:00PM Pride Dance, Jazz Bah


    Sunday, August 11

    10:30AM Diversity Service & Luncheon, St. Andrew's United Church


    Monday, August 12

    12:00PM Pride Flag Raising, Chatham-Kent Civic Centre


    Tuesday August 13

    6:30PM Chatham-Kent Public Library Rainbow Storytime & Sundae Funday, Bill's Place


    Wednesday, August 14

    12:00PM LINCK BBQ, LINCK

    3:30-6:30PM Drop-In, Bill's Place

    6:00PM-12:00AM Chatham-Kent Public Library Virtual Trivia, CKPL Facebook Page

    7:00-9:00PM, Pub Night, Son's of Kent


    Thursday, August 15

    7:00PM Pride Movie Night: The Birdcage, Capitol Theatre

    9:00PM After-movie treat, Turns & Tales


    Friday, August 16

    All day: Virtual Puzzle, CK Public Library Facebook Page

    9:00PM Community Bonfire, Blenheim


    Saturday, August 17

    11:00AM CK Pride parade, downtown Chatham

    12:00-4:00PM CK Pride Fest, Harvey & Centre Street


    Sunday, August 18

    11:30AM Drag Brunch, The Garden on King


    CK Pride offers programming, resources and support throughout the year. Visit the CK Pride website for more details.


    Happy Pride Chatham-Kent!


  • Support Colleagues & Customers Honouring Ramadan



    Ramadan begins next week, and people in Chatham-Kent and all over the world who are Muslim renew their spiritual commitment. For about 30 days, Ramadan will be honoured in many ways, including fasting, acts of charity, reflections, and prayer.

    This video, a partnership between the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the Chatham Islamic Centre, covers ways that your business or organization can support colleagues or customers that are honouring Ramadan.

    Note: Eid ul-Fitr, a significant holiday marking the end of Ramadan, is expected to happen on or about April 9th. Please be considerate of this important date for Muslim communities who may take time off or gather in honour of the holiday.


    To share this video, copy and paste the link to this page or share the video from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Facebook page.


    Learn more:
    Learn more about Ramadan through the Chatham Islamic Centre at www.thecic.ca
    Learn more about ways the Municipality can support your business at www.InvestCK.ca
    Learn more about the many faith communities in Chatham-Kent at www.LivingCK.ca
    Learn more about significant holidays through the Municipal Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice team at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/deij


    Ramadan Mubarak!


  • New Resource: The Cost of Eating in CK 2023 Infographic


    March is Nutrition Month and we can't talk about that without also talking about Food Insecurity.

    1 in 5 households in Chatham-Kent do not have enough money to buy food. That's 20% of the community who must decide between paying their bills or buying food.

    The 2023 Cost of Eating Infographic shows the monthly cost of eating in CK and the numbers show that current social assistance programs are not enough.

    View the entire infographic at: www.ckpublichealth.com/foodinsecurity

  • Black History Month 2024 in Chatham-Kent

    Dignitaries hold the Black History Month flag at the 2023 Black History Month flag raising.

    February is Black History Month, a month dedicated to honouring and celebrating the accomplishments of Canadians of African descent.

    This month and all year long, we encourage you to learn about Black communities and community members who have helped shape what Chatham-Kent is today.

    See below for some of the events taking place across Chatham-Kent throughout the month. Feel free to share with colleagues and community.

    We would like to thank the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum, Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, and our colleagues across the Municipality of Chatham-Kent for their partnerships and continued work to preserve and share our local and national history.


    Why do we Honour Black History Month?

    Black History has largely been excluded from mainstream recounting of Canadian history. That means the contributions of Black community members have often been excluded, even though they are important parts of our shared history. For example, many people don't know that soldiers of African descent made sacrifices in wartimes and actually had to advocate to be able to fight for their Country. Or, that African people were enslaved in Canada, in addition to the United States of America. Because of this exclusion of Black stories and contributions, having a dedicated month helps ensure that these stories are told. And, it helps to highlight the continued struggles for liberation, equity, and justice.


    How was Black History Month Established?

    In Canada, Black History Month was first proclaimed in 1978 by the City of Toronto as a result of advocacy by the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS), including Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks.

    In 1993, the OBHS successfully filed a petition in Ontario to proclaim February as Black History Month. Following that success, Rosemary Sadlier, president of the OBHS, introduced the idea of having Black History Month recognized across Canada to the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.

    In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by Dr. Augustine. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously.

    In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008. The adoption of this motion completed Canada’s parliamentary position on Black History Month.


    What is Happening to Honour Black History Month in Chatham-Kent?

    Thursday, February 1, 12:00PM

    Black History Month Flag Raising, 315 King St W, Chatham (Civic Centre)

    Bundle up and show your support for the kick-off of Black History Month in Chatham-Kent!

    Join the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, and the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History to honour the start of Black History Month and learn about what is happening in Chatham-Kent throughout the month.


    Thursday, February 8, 10:00AM – 11:00AM

    Buxton Museum Storytime, Chatham-Kent Public Library, Chatham Branch

    Join us for a special story time celebrating Black History Month with special guests from the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum. Best suited for children 5 and younger. Drop-in.


    Saturday, February 10, 6:00PM – 1:00AM (cost to attend)

    Chatham-Kent Black Excellence Awards, Retro Suites Hotel

    This inaugural event to recognize the outstanding accomplishment of local Black community members and celebrate Black cultures, and community advocates. Attendees from all cultures are welcome.

    Learn more and purchase tickets through EventBrite.


    Thursday, February 22, 6:30PM – 7:15PM

    Twilight Tails, Chatham-Kent Public Library, Dresden Branch

    February is Black History Month, and we have all kinds of treasures to help celebrate. Play the jumbo Match-Up of famous athletes, entertainers, and inventors. Registration is not necessary.


    Tuesday, February 27, 6:00PM

    Trivia Night, Red Barn Brewing Co.

    Join Red Barn Brewing and Buxton's Next Generation (BNG) for a fun night of trivia, including Black History Month questions. A portion of proceeds go to BNG.

    Buy tickets from Red Barn Brewing company.


    Wednesday, February 28, 2:00PM and 7:00PM

    Screening of The Color Purple, Chatham Capitol Theatre

    A story of love and resilience bast on the novel and Broadway musical. Rated PG-13. Admission $7 at the door. No registration required.


    All Month-Long

    Black History Month Quiz

    Test your knowledge about Black History in Chatham-Kent and enter to win tickets to a screening of The Color Purple on February 28th!

    Take the quiz here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QEKTHXGBV

    Thanks to our friends at Buxton National History Site & Museum, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, Buxton's Next Generation, Chatham Capitol Theatre, and Living CK for this partnership!

    Buxton National Historic Site & Museum

    Visit Ontario’s second largest national historic site, a tribute to the Elgin settlement virtually or in-person.


    Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum

    Learn about the Black community that settles along McGregor’s Creek in Chatham at the end of the 18th century to present day. Self-guided tours available.


    Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History

    Site of the Dawn Settlement, built by Rev. Josiah Henson in 1841. In-person tours available for groups of 15 or more. Virtual tours also available.


    Chatham-Kent Municipal Museums

    Let Us March on till Victory is Won: The Struggle for Racial Equity in CK and Ontario

    The exhibit traces the National Unity Association’s crusade for justice and determination to end practices of segregation in Chatham-Kent and Ontario. Visit the virtual exhibit or book the travelling exhibit to see it in-person.


    Chatham-Kent Public Library

    Read Black Voices, All Branches

    Celebrate the diversity of Black experiences by reading books by Black authors and illustrators. Participants will earn a ballot when they borrow a book with the Black Voices bookmarks for a chance to win a prize pack.


    Black History Month Quizzes, Tilbury Branch

    Drop-in to the Tilbury Branch each week in February for a new quiz about notable Black figures and historic events.


    Living CK

    Stay tuned to the Living CK Facebook or Instagram channels for information about Black History Month in Chatham-Kent.


    Thames Art Gallery

    Visit their Facebook and Instagram pages to learn about Black artists with local ties throughout the month.

  • Feb 1: Black History Month Flag Raising

    Picture of dignitaries that attended the 2023 Black History Month flag raising.

    Thursday, February 1st, 12:00 - 12:30, 315 King Street West, Chatham (Chatham Civic Centre)

    Join the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, and the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum to honour the start of Black History Month and learn about what is happening in Chatham-Kent throughout the month.

    Stay tuned to the DEIJ website for details about events happening throughout February to honour Black History Month.

  • Summer Student Positions

    The Municipality of Chatham-Kent currently has a number of summer student positions posted in various departments.

    Interested candidates should apply before January 25th.

    Find the postings on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent website.

    The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees in a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the diverse community we serve.

    Should you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources & Organizational Development (HROD) at 519-360-1998. Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used strictly for the purpose of candidate selection.

  • Event: October 12 Twin Flames Performance

    Picture of the two Twin Flames band members. Twin Flame are performing Thursday, October 12th at Chatham Capitol Theatre.Indie-rock, synth-rock and folk-pop are just a few of the ways Twin Flames’ music has been described – their unique sound, which blends Indigenous Spirit flutes, traditional drums and western instruments, defies classification.

    The husband and wife duo - Chelsey June, métis (Algonquin Cree heritage) from Ottawa, and Jaaji, Inuk and Mohawk from Nunavik and Kahnawake – has garnered more than 40 awards and nominations, include the Canadian Folk Music Award in 2022 for Vocal Group of the Year. Their stories and songs, which they perform in a mix of English, French, and Inuktitut, honour their ancestors and relay stories from coast to coast, and have placed them at the forefront of the Indigenous Music renaissance.

    Tickets: $20-$35 + Handling Fees

    Learn more and buy tickets at CKTickets.com