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  • April is Sikh Heritage Month!


    April is Sikh Heritage Month!

    This month, we celebrate Sikh culture and heritage and honour the important contributions of Sikh community members to our social, economic, political and cultural lives.

    Sikhism is one of the world’s youngest religions but is the fifth largest religion in the world. The first wave of settlers who were Sikh arrived in Canada in the early 1900s. Today, Canada has the second largest diaspora of people who are Sikh in the World!

    Sikh Heritage Month was first established in Ontario in 2013 and then in Canada in 2019. April was chosen because it is the time that Sikh people observe Vaisakhi, which commemorates the creation of the Khalsa and Sikh articles of faith. Vaisakhi (sometimes spelt Baisakhi) may also be called Khalsa Sanja Diwas. In Chatham-Kent, Vaisakhi is being honoured with a Nagar Kirtan, a Sikh religious parade, on April 20, 2025. This event is open to people from all communities in the surrounding area to get a taste of Sikh culture and celebrate. See the posters at the bottom of this post for more information.

    Happy Vaisakhi to community members honouring this important time in Chatham-Kent!



    Learn More:


    Find information about local ethno-cultural communities on the Living CK website.

    Learn about the history of Sikhs in Canada from:

    Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada

    Sikh Research Institute

    Early Concepts (resources for educators)

    Sikh National Archives of Canada

    Learn about Sikhism and other religions in the workplace from Encounter World Religions.



    Thank you to members of the Sikh Cultural Society Chatham-Kent for reviewing the contents of this post.

    For more information about the Sikh Cultural Society Chatham-Kent or the Nagar Kirtan on April 20th, contact the Society at 519.784.1748 or gudwarachathamkent@gmail.com or Dr. Bidhi Singh Bains 519.351.8043 bidhi_bains@hotmail.com

  • Nominations for Accessibility Awards Open Until April 30 2025

    2024 Accessibility Award members post with members of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Accessibility Advisory Commitee and Municipal Councillors in the Council Chambers.


    Chatham-Kent Accessibility Advisory Commitee Awards Call for Nominations 2025

    The Accessibility Advisory Commitee (AAC), the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and Chatham-Kent Council are calling for nominations for this year's annual Accessibility Advisory Committee Awards.

    Members of the community are invited to nominate a business or individual they feel should be recognized in one of three categories outlined below.

    To fill out a nomination form, complete the form on Let's Talk Chatham-Kent. When completed, hit 'SUBMIT'. Forms can also be submitted to any member of the AAC, by emailing CKinfo@chatham-kent.ca or ck311@chatham-kent.ca, or by dropping them at the Customer Service Desk and 315 King Street West, Chatham.

    Deadline for submission is Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

    Awards will be presented at the June 9, 2025 Council meeting.


    Categories:

    Dr. Veronica Vaughn Accessible Business Award

    Presented to a business that stands out as providing an accessible facility and/or accessible customer service.

    Sheila Lindsey Powers Accessibility Advocate Award

    Presented to an individual in this community who stands out as an advocate for the inclusion of people of all abilities.

    Sid Ebare Perseverance Award

    Presented to an individual who stands out as a person who perseveres beyond their limitations to participate in community life.

  • Learn about Ramadan

    Graphic with lanters and stars and text 'Ramadan Mubarak'.


    Ramadan is here!

    Observed during the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar and dependent on sightings of the Moon, Ramadan is expected to be honoured this year from February 28th – March 29th.

    During Ramadan, Muslims heighten their spiritual commitment and practice self-discipline. It is considered a time for physical and spiritual cleansing. Although there is diversity in the way people honour the month, during Ramadan, people may fast during daylight hours, commit to acts of charity and engage in increased periods of reflection and prayer.

    For Muslims, Ramadan also commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book to the Prophet Muhammed (P.B.U.H), God's Messenger.

    The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, a festival of gratitude, forgiveness and connection with family. This significant holiday is celebrated over several days with prayer, charity, social gatherings and gift exchanges.

    Ramadan Mubarak to everyone honouring this blessed month!


    Learn More:

    Learn about how to be supportive of people honouring Ramadan in the workplace through our tip sheet and video created in partnership with the Chatham Islamic Centre.

    Honouring Ramadan? Find 7 tips to take care of yourself this month on our website!

    Find information about local ethno-cultural community groups and places of worship on the Living CK website.


  • New Report: Food Insecurity in Chatham-Kent

    An infographic summarizing key findings of the fully report. Contact CK Public Health to get this information in an alternative format.


    At the February 2025 Board of Health meeting, CK Public Health released a report about household food insecurity in Chatham-Kent. A few key findings included:

    • 1 in 5 households in CK are food insecure
    • Many people in CK don't have enough money to buy food
    • The root cause of food insecurity is poverty
    • Emergency food charity is not a long-term solution.

    The report calls on community members and organizations to learn about food insecurity, talk to friends, family, and colleagues about the true causes of food insecurity, and advocate for income solutions.

    Find the full report, the above infographic, and more information on the CK Public Health website.

  • Homelessness Response Toolkit

    Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K) has designed a Homelessness Response Toolkit for local businesses, organizations, and area residents better understand and engage with local homelessness response efforts. The goal is to provide practical guidance, reduce stigma, and encourage compassionate and informed interactions with individuals experiencing homelessness.

    The kit includes a quick reference postcard with information on who to call in specific situations, including phone numbers for outreach services, sharps clean-up, shelter, and other essential resources, ensuring that businesses and community members have immediate access to support when needed.

    Digital copies can be accessed at www.reachoutck.com/resources.

  • New website: Free Food Resources in CK

    Flyer promoting the website with free food resources in Chatham-Kent. All text is included below.


    The Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Employment and Social Services program has created a website with information for people who may need food assistance, including resources like:

    • food banks
    • little free pantries
    • soup kitchens
    • food voucher programs
    • drop-in/outreach services.

    Visit www.chatham-kent.ca/EmergencyFood or scan the QR code above to go to the website.

    These services are here to support individuals and families in our community. Whether you're in immediate need or looking for ongoing assistance, there are options available to help you.

  • 2025 Municipal Summer Student Positions

    The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is starting to post various summer student positions for the Summer of 2025. Positions will continue to be posted over the next couple of months.

    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.

  • New Local Book Club: Unbound

    Flyer for the book club. All text below. Flyer has a stack of books on the left side of the page and text on the right.


    New! Unbound Book Club.

    For people who may feel bound by the lack of accessibility in our works, join to explore new worlds, unique stories and meet new characters through the word of books.

    For young adults (18+) who have a disability or are an ally for the disability community.


    September Book Club Pick: The Reading List, by Sara Nisha Adams.

    Books chosen based on availability in both print and audiobook formats.

    September 18, 2024, 7-9PM. Turns & Tales Bookstore. 213 King St W, Unit 2, Chatham.

    For more information contact 226-626-6585 or erin.genge@gmail.com


    Future meeting dates:

    October 23, 2024; November 20, 2024; December 18, 2024.

  • Event: March 5th Cultural ConneCKt

    Flyer promoting the Cultural Connect event. All text is below. Image shows people of various skin tones, genders, and ages sitting at a table talking with papers, plates, and cups of water infront of them. The logos of the Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership and Chatham-Kent Community Attraction & Promotion team are at the bottom of the flyer.


    The Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership and Municipality of Chatham-Kent Community Attraction & Promotion team invite leaders and members of local cultural community groups to meet, network, and explore possible connections.

    Tuesday, March 5, 5:00 - 7:00 PM

    Chatham Granite Club, 41 William Street North, Chatham.

    Light refreshments will be provided.

    Registration required.

    Contact cklip@chatham-kent.ca to register or for more information.


    Note: This event is intended specifically for leaders and members of local cultural community groups, and is not an education session open to the public.

  • Event: Alhan Bazaar March 1 and 2

    Flyer advertising the event. Text is below. Images of lanterns, someone looking at clothes, henna on hands, and desserts.


    As Muslim communities prepare for Ramadan, the Ahlan Bazaar is happening at The Chatham Islamic Centre, 310 McNaughton Ave West, from 2:00PM - 6:00PM on March 1st and 2nd.


    Free entry, cash only for payments.

    Find jewelry, halal foods, desserts, clothing, eyebrow threading, and henna.


    Everyone welcome.


    If you have question, please contact Maha Muhareb 519.359.4024 or mamuhareb@hotmail.com.