Operation Black Vote Canada’s Bootcamp 2022 is hosting a two day basic training to support Black community members interested in running or participating in municipal election campaigns.

Sessions will focus on:

Day 1:

• Setting up Campaign
• Canvassing
• Communications

Day 2:

• Fundraising
• Election Day

To register, please email events@obvc.ca before August 15th.

A picture of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, correspondence between Arthur Alexander and the Ministry of Militia & Defence, and the names of Black WWI Veterans from Chatham-Kent is currently on display in the Civic Center lobby.

Have you heard of the No. 2 Construction Battalion?

Thanks to the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, and Ontario Heritage Trust, you can see a photo of the group and the names of local Black WWI Veterans in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Civic Center Lobby.

On July 9^th, 2022, the Canadian Minister of National Defence will offer a formal apology to relatives and descendants of members of the Battalion for the racism and discrimination endured by members before, during, and after their service to Canada. To watch the event live, visit: www.no2-cef.ca

The No. 2 Construction Battalion was formed in WWI and served from 1916-1920. It was the largest Black military unit in Canadian history. Although the headquarters for the Battalion were in Nova Scotia, there was a detachment that operated in Windsor and many local Black men were a part of the Battalion.

As they tried tArthur Alexander (pictured) wrote a letter to the Minister of Militia & Defence in 1914 to ask why Black men were not able to enlist in the Canadian militia.o volunteer for the Canadian militia, many Black men were turned away due to prevailing anti-Black racism. Despite the racism they experienced, the men continued to advocate for their participation in War efforts.

In 1916, the Department of Defence and Militia established a segregated, Black labour Battalion that supported construction and labour needs related to the War. In 1917, the Battalion sailed to England with 595 men, most of whom went on to build and maintain water systems, roads, and railroads and take part in logging for lumber used in trenches, observation posts, bridges, walkways, and even aircrafts.

Despite the anti-Black racism they experienced, the men of the No. 2 Construction Battalion made significant contributions to the War effort. But, these efforts went unrecognized for a long time.

In 1992, the Government of Canada recognized the formation of the No. 2 Construction Battalion as a national historic event and raised a granite monument commemorating the Battalion in Nova Scotia. Canada post issued a commemorative stamp depicting the Battalion in 2016. This weekend, the Ministry of Defence will issue a formal apology to relatives and descendants of members of the No. 2 Battalion for the racism and discrimination they endured.

Stop in at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Civic Center and see the picture of the No. 2 Battalion and the names of Black WWI Veterans from Chatham-Kent!

For more information and local Black History, visit the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, or Ontario Heritage Trust's Historic Site dedicated to Josiah Henson (new name coming soon!).

CK Tourism is looking for community models for the next Many Faces of Tourism Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Photo Shoot.

The Monday, July 25 shoot is geared towards accessibility and mobility, creating images that show people with different mobility abilities enjoying the activities and amenities that CK has to offer.

Community models (looking for families if possible) don’t need any prior modeling experience, just a willingness to come out and have some fun in front of the camera (after signing a photo release form).

Models will be compensated for their time at the end of the photo shoot and will have access to some of the finished images for their own use.

Please see above for some images from CK Tourism's previous Many Faces of Tourism DEI photo shoots to give you an example of the work they are trying to do.

If you, a client, or someone you know, are interested in participating, please contact Andrea McCulligh directly - 226.312.2025 ext. 4221

A Report to Council, for the DEIJ Strategy went to council to provide updates! Click the link below to access the Report To Council-Update #2.

Link: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Strategy Update #2 (escribemeetings.com)

Check out this flyer below for the Newcomer's Event 2022.

Click the following link to register for this event: CKACA NEWCOMERS EVENT 2022 -RSVP (google.com)

Hope to see you there!

On June 20th, World Refugee Day is honoured!

What is a Refugee?

A Refugee is a person who is living outside their home country that is unable or unwilling to return to their home country because of war, violence, or persecution. It is estimated that there are millions of people around the World who are displaced from their homes.

What is World Refugee Day?

Today is a day to acknowledge the courage, resilience, and strength of the millions of Refugees across the world who've been forced to leave their homes and lives to start a new one due to conflict, violence, war, or persecution.

This day emphasizes the need to recognize the hardships Refugees endure, and to be empathetic in their journey of rebuilding new lives.

Watch this video to learn how Refugees Are Good for Canada!

Refugees in Canada & Chatham-Kent

In 2019, Canada was a world leader in the resettlement of Refugees, welcoming 30,082 people who were displaced from their homelands. Locally, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has been working to ensure that people who are displaced are able to live and get the supports they need in the community.

In 2016, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent was recognized as a welcoming community by the Federal government and one that supports all people immigrating to Chatham-Kent. Over the last few years, the Municipality has worked with partners and community members to welcome families and newcomers to the area, including people displaced by violence, war, or persecution. In May 2022, Municipal Council directed staff to reach out to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada to express our community’s continued interest in welcoming Refugees and displaced people to our community.

Local Resources:

Assistance for Refugees and Displaced Peoples: Supports available to people arriving in Chatham-Kent and information on how the community can help.

The Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership (CKLIP): ready to welcome newcomers, including Refugees and Immigrants from around the world!

CK Ethno-Cultural Community List: CK is home to many ethno-cultural communities, associations, and groups. Check them out here!

June 21 is Indigenous People’s Day and June is National Indigenous History month. From the rich histories, to the unique differences between Inuit, Métis, and First Nations people, heritages, cultures, and experiences, this month is an opportunity to celebrate, learn about, and recognize Indigenous Peoples in our communities and Country.

Indigenous Cultures and Identities

The phrase ‘Indigenous Peoples’ is often used an umbrella term to refer to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples have their own distinct identities, cultures, languages, heritage, and experiences. Learn about the terms First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. And, great diversity exists within Indigenous communities.

First Nations and Indigenous communities moved and shifted throughout history, especially after European contact when Indigenous Peoples and communities were displaced. The McKee Treaty of 1790, a land agreement involving the areas now known as Chatham-Kent, Windsor-Essex, Middlesex and Lambton counties, involved the Odawa, Potawatami, Chippewa, and Huron Nations.

Currently, what is now known as Chatham-Kent is neighboured by two Anishinaabeg Nations. The unceded territory of Bkjewanong (Walpole Island) is home to Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa Nations (known as the Three Fires Confederacy). Chatham-Kent also neighbours Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit, often referred to as the Lunapeew People of Delaware Nation at Moraviantown. Originally from the Atlantic seaboard, the Lunapeew people were one of first to establish settlements in this region and are often called the ‘grandfather nation’ by other Anishinaabeg Nations. Of course, many other First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people live in Chatham-Kent. Maawnjidimi, a local Social Planning & Action Table through the United Way of Chatham-Kent, is a group dedicated to promoting wellbeing for Urban Indigenous Peoples living in Chatham-Kent.

Learn about local First Nations.

Learn about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and people in Canada.

Learn about First People of Canada through the Canadian Museum of History.

We Acknowledge History to Create a Brighter Future

Indigenous communities have long histories on Turtle Island (now known as North America). Due to Colonialism, forced assimilation, and segregation, Indigenous Peoples have been physically, mentally, emotionally, and spirituality removed from their lands, cultural practices, languages, and ways of knowing. Indigenous Peoples across Canada continue to face issues with access to rights, land, food, and clean water. Despite these challenges, many Indigenous communities and First Nations have retained and are revitalizing their languages, ways of knowing, and cultures. And, there are growing movements to acknowledge the sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples and honour historic treaty relationships.

Local Urban Indigenous leaders are in the early stages of establishing a Friendship Centre in Chatham-Kent! Called 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre, the Centre will support Urban Indigenous Peoples and support capacity-building efforts for organization in Chatham-Kent.

Honour Indigenous History Month

We can all honour Indigenous History month by doing the following:

1. Commit to learning: Learn about the rich history and cultures of Indigenous Peoples and the processes and impacts of Colonization. Understand the differences between European or Western and Indigenous knowledge systems and how these impacts interactions. Start by visiting the links in this article. Learn about Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations in this region. Take part in GINDAASDAA Circle, a local book club - a new flyer will be sent out soon, but the contact is the same. Engage in Indigenous Cultural Safety or Awareness trainings. Contact local First Nations or Friendship Centres to ask about learning opportunities. Popular online self-directed trainings are offered by San’yas and University of Alberta Faculty of Native Studies (free option), but should be complimented with local knowledge.

2. Attend a local Indigenous Peoples Day event. On June 21^st, from 10AM-2PM at Ska Na Family Learning Centre, 25 Eighth Street, in Chatham.

3. Remember the concept of intersectionality: Great diversity exists within Indigenous communities. In addition to Indigenous Cultural Awareness training, seek out Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression, 2SLGBTQ+, and Trauma-Informed trainings.

4. Speak up: Learn about and use ways to interrupt bias when you hear or see comments that are anti-Indigenous, racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or that don’t recognize the inherent worth of all people more generally.

Resources:

Supports for Indigenous Peoples

Hope for Wellness: Immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention for Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Toll-free Help Line 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

Residential Schools Health Support Program: Residential School survivors can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.

List of Friendship Centers in Ontario

Learn About Indigenous Peoples, Communities, and Rights

A Road to Understanding Indigenous Cultures (chatham-kent.ca)

Local resource, developed with local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers to help form a better understanding and connection with each other.

Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Calls for Justice

Courses, books, e-books, and blog about working effectively with Indigenous Peoples

Relevant Municipal DEIJ Posts

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People.

In June, we celebrate Seniors Month!

June is a time to celebrate the accomplishments that have been made and continue to be made by older adults in Chatham-Kent! This month also raises awareness of the health and social issues that seniors face.

Older adults are leaders, workers, mentors, and volunteers in our community that pass on valuable experience and knowledge. Despite this, older adults may experience ageism, or discrimination and prejudice because of age in public and professional settings, the healthcare system, in policies, and the workplace. Ageism can negatively impact people’s mental or physical health, social, and economic life.

Older Adults in Ontario & Chatham-Kent

Seniors are the fastest growing demographic in Ontario. Ontario has the most culturally diverse seniors’ population in all of Canada. And, 28% of seniors in Ontario aged 65-69 are working. Unfortunately, 30% of seniors are at risk of facing social isolation.[i]

Chatham-Kent has a higher number of people who are 65+ (21%) compared to Ontario (17%) and Canada 17%.[ii]

At the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, we strive to remove barriers for older adults and seniors. As with other organizations across Canada, we have seen more older adults in our workforce in recent years. In our community, we are working towards becoming more age-friendly. We offer recreation programs for older adults, and various volunteer opportunities. The Municipality also recognize older adults in the community through annual Seniors Achievement Awards.

On June 1st, 2022, the 2022 Senior of the Year was announced. Watch a recording of the Senior Achievement Awards on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s YouTube channel.

This month, and all year long, we are grateful for the older adults in our organization and community – thank you for all you do!

Learn more about how to support older adults in Chatham-Kent by visiting the links below.

Resources:

Municipality of Chatham-Kent Age Friendly Committee-Provide direction and support to develop and implement Chatham-Kent’s Age Friendly Action plan. Supports a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful community that enables independence and healthy lifestyles at all stages of aging.

Resources for Seniors in Chatham-Kent- Supports, volunteer opportunities, health center information, and links to community activities and things one can do in Chatham-Kent.

Seniors Centers in Chatham-Kent- Offer social, recreational, and /or exercise programs.

Age-Friendly Workplaces: Promoting Older Worker Participation– A resource from the Government of Canada.

Note: We recognize that the terminology in this article may be new to some folks – we’ve linked to resources where you can learn more. If you’d like to deepen your understanding of 2SLGBTQIA+ terminology and communities, please reach out!

This month, we celebrate the diverse Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual and additional identities (2SLGBTQIA+) people and communities[1] in Chatham-Kent!

The History of Pride

Many people are unaware that pride celebrations started as protests. In the U.S.A., in June 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club, in Greenwich Village, New York. The raid led to six days of riots and protests by residents, staff, and bar patrons, many of whom were racialized trans people. The riots, now known as the ‘Stonewall riots’ were a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States, and around the World.

In Canada, similar raids happened in Toronto in the early 1970s, leading to protests for rights and protections for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada. The first pride week was held in major cities across Canada in August in 1973 to rally for equal rights. This is why some communities in Canada honour Pride in August instead of June.

Of course, throughout time and history there has been celebration of, and resistance among, what we now call 2SLGBTQIA+ people and communities.

Learn about Pride flags from the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.

How is Pride celebrated today?

Although many people recognize Pride month in June, there is a growing movement to use the term Pride season in recognition of the diverse history of 2SLGBTQIA rights movements and the various times and ways Pride is celebrated. Now, Pride gatherings are used to honour the work that has been done and to raise awareness about the work still needed to achieve respect, dignity, safety, and rights for all 2SLGBTQIA+ people. It's also a time when people who may feel unsafe or marginalized because of their identities have a short window of time and place to honour their authentic selves. Events include parades, rallies, workshops, concerts as well as memorials and commemorations for community members, family, and friends who lost someone due to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS.

How is Pride Honoured in Chatham-Kent?

In Chatham-Kent, Pride is celebrated in August, with a week of events organized by CK Pride.

Learn about local Pride events on the CK Pride website.

Learn about CK Pride's history on the CK Pride website.

While celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ people and communities is important, we also recognize that these communities continue to face barriers and inequities.

People who are 2SLGBTQIA+ can face negative employment experiences and significant inequities in the labour market. For example, recent research in Ontario found that despite having a higher level of education than the general population, on average, 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience stigma, exclusion, and discrimination during recruitment, hiring, and while working for organizations. As a result, people who are 2SLGBTIA+ are:

• Less likely to be employed*
• Earn less money
• More likely to face poverty
• Experience lower job satisfaction

People’s experiences are also impacted by the other identities they hold, including things like race, class, abilities, religion, and more. These identities overlap with people’s sexual orientation (attraction to others) or gender identity (sense of their gender) to shape their experience in the world. So, for example, a Black, Transgender, Straight, Woman may experience racism, transphobia, and sexism and, therefore, have a different experience than a White, Gay, Man, who is Cisgender (sense of gender aligns with sex assigned at birth). Learn more about the idea of intersectionality.

How Can We Create An Inclusive Community for 2SLGBTQIA+ people?

We can work together to create a safe and inclusive Chatham-Kent for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and communities. We've listed some ways below.

1. Participate in training and learning opportunities.

To understand and use inclusive language and your own biases (we all have them!). CK Pride has many resources available on their website.

2. Don’t make assumptions about sexual orientation (who someone is attracted to).

Avoid comments that assume someone is heterosexual, or straight. For example, instead of asking whether someone has a boyfriend/husband, you might ask if they are in a relationship (if you need to ask at all).

3. Use gender-neutral language.

Practice using people, person, parent, customer, etc. vs he, her, man, woman, ladies, gentlemen, Mr. or Mrs. Even if you know the person you are talking with identifies with male or female, using gender-neutral terms signals that you understand that gender is more complicated than the male/female binary and value people who don’t fit in to either one of those categories.

Listen closely to the pronouns (i.e. they, she, he, etc.) people use to describe themselves, rather than assuming. If you make a mistake, apologize, and continue the conversation with their correct pronouns.

4. Understand that there is diversity within 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

Because people hold many different identities, no two experiences of being 2SLGBTQIA+ are the same. People’s experiences are also impacted by the other identities they hold, including things like race, class, abilities, religion, and more. These identities overlap with people’s sexual orientation (attraction to others) or gender identity (sense of their gender) to shape their experience in the world. So, for example, a Black, Transgender, Straight, Woman may experience racism, transphobia, and sexism and, therefore, have a different experience than a White, Cisgender (sense of gender aligns with sex assigned at birth), Gay, Man. Learn more about the idea of intersectionality.

5. Interrupt homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia.

If safe to do so, do not stay silent when you are witnessing or experiencing homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic comments or jokes.

If you see someone making assumptions, ask questions about it.

Egale Canada has a great resource on how to respond with allyship.

[1] Language and terminology change over time. For explanations of these terms and others, see page 8 of the Coalition for Inclusive Municipalities Toolkit for Inclusive Municipalities or Trans Wellness Ontario’s Glossary of Terms.

Resources:

CK Pride: Brings together members of Two Spirit, Trans, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer communities within Chatham-Kent.

Rainbow Health Ontario: Provides relevant and reliable LGBT2SQ health resources for Ontario LGBT2SQ communities, service providers and others with an interest in LGBT2SQ health.

Egale Canada: National organization in Canada that improves the lives of 2SLGBTQI+ people through informing public policy and promoting human rights through research, education, awareness, and legal advocacy.

Positive Spaces Initiatives: Support for organizations serving immigrants and refugees to share resources and increase organizational capacity to serve LGBTQ+ newcomers effectively, they offer free agency trainings.

Queer Events: Provides educational material, upcoming events, promotional material, and resources. Has a Queer Events Page for Queer Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, and Older Adults.

What is today? PANSEXUAL AWARENESS AND VISIBILITY DAY!

Today we celebrate the pansexual community nationally and in Chatham. Today brings opportunities for everyone to reflect on how we can further educate others and ourselves on how to be better allies each and every day.

What is pansexuality?

The romantic and/or sexual attraction towards others regardless of their sex or gender.

Important things to keep in mind:

Pan means “all”, and the word pansexuality originally comes from Greek. However, pansexual people are not attracted to all other people, rather they are attracted to individuals from all gender-diverse backgrounds. Similar to how a heterosexual woman will not be attracted to all men. Pansexual individuals experience attraction to specific people, and not just others.

Pansexuality and bisexuality are different, and the two aren’t mutually exclusive. This means that an individual who identifies as bisexual means they are attracted to more than one gender. Someone who is pansexual means that they are attracted to people regardless of their gender identity.

Pansexuality is a part of what makes someone who they are but does not shape their whole identity. A pansexual person may also be trans, may live with a disability, or be a person of colour, or all three! There are many layers to one’s identity, and today is about celebrating everyone’s unique identities and the pansexual community!

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the DEIJ Team.