International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.

The theme for 2024 is "Together We Can", highlighting the power of our community when we all stand together.

Join events in Chatham and Wallaceburg on Thursday, August 29th from 3-6PM. More details will be announced soon.

Visit Chatham-Kent Drug Awareness Council's website for more information.

On Saturday, July 27^th, from 9:30 – 3:00, join the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History for Emancipation Day — an annual celebration of hope and freedom to commemorate the end of slavery in the British Empire.

Everyone is welcome to this free, fun and educational event featuring music, presenters, children's crafts and food. The day celebrates the cultural and racial diversity of Canadian society, highlighting the fundamental roles of people of African descent in shaping Canadian identity and heritage. It also fosters dialogue to support the full and equal participation of Black individuals and communities.

Lunch will be available for purchase. Seating is available or bring your own lawn chair.

Learn more about the event from the Ontario Heritage Trust website.

Learn more about Emancipation Day from the government of Canada.

Chatham-Kent artist Myles Lynch’s new exhibition, Cryptic Landscapes, will be presented at ARTspace starting Wednesday, July 17, 2024. All are invited to an opening reception at ARTspace on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 7:00- pm – 9:00 pm. Light refreshments provided.

Myles Jackson Lynch is an emerging Lŭnaapèew artist from Eelŭnaapéewi Lahkéewiit, also know as the Delaware Nation. Lynch received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Western University in London, Ontario. He grew up with an equal appreciation for nature and academia, finding inspiration in stillness. Though the materials Lynch creates his art with are ever-changing, his body of work remains focused on Existentialism – the idea that we are each responsible for creating meaning in our own lives.

Lynch describes Cryptic Landscapes as an exploration of texture using paper pulp and water to recreate landscapes from his dreams. Lynch's series studies the beauty of being extremely small in infinite space—that sudden self-awareness we feel when looking at the stars.

This exhibition is curated by Chatham-Kent and ARTspace artist Danielle Coleman.

Cryptic Landscapes is on view at ARTspace at 165 1/2 King Street West, Chatham, ON, from Wednesday, July 17, 2024, to Saturday, September 14, 2024. ARTspace is open Wednesdays through Saturdays 12-5. Admission is free, donations are welcome.

Take advantage of this opportunity to support your local art scene and experience the vibrant artistic community in Chatham-Kent.

For more information, please visit www.tagartspace.com.

SheLeads is a full-day event designed to Educate, Inspire and Empower all women-identifying folks within the community of Chatham-Kent.

Saturday, July 6, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

The Capitol Theatre, 238 King St W, Chatham

Pay-what-you-can.

What to expect:

Learn more from the SheLeads website.

GINDAASDAA (Ghin-daahs-daah) means looking at something together and learning from it in Ojibwe.

This Indigenous-led, local book club focuses on Indigenous authors who have written about Indigenous Knowledge, Reconciliation and Worldviews.

Meetings are bi-monthly.

Everyone is welcome.

The next meeting is Tuesday, August 13, 6:30-8:30PM in-person at Deshkan Ziibi and on Zoom.

Book: Sacred Instructions: Indigenous Wisdom for Living Spirit-Based Change written by Sherri Mitchell.

Contact Naomi naomi@skanaflc.com to RSVP.

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

We encourage you to participate in local events to honour the day, and National Indigenous History Month (June), as well.

Wednesday, June 19, 6:00 - 9:00PM

Indigenous Arts & Craft Market & Strawberry Social

Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham

Join us for strawberries and ice cream, browse, shop, network, and visit. Free event. All welcome.

Learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day, this and other local upcoming events on the 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre website.

Indigenous vendors looking to participate (free registration) can contact Naomi naomi@skanaflc.com

Co-sponsored by Ska:na Family Learning Centre, the Bleak House, Women's Equity Business, 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre, United Way of Chatham-Kent, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, St. Clair Catholic District School Board, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.

Thursday, June 20, 2024, 6:30PM

The Spirit Horse Returns

Chatham Capitol Theatre (238 King Street West)

Introducing "The Spirit Horse Returns," a captivating orchestral concert production that seamlessly blends diverse North American Indigenous perspectives, stunning visual art, and a rich orchestral score to tell the powerful stories of the Ojibwe Horses.

The production is a collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous co-creators, including Anishinaabe artist and Ojibwe Horse breed expert Rhonda Snow, songwriter Jodi Contin (Wasauksing First Nation, composers Kevin Lau (a first-generation Canadian), and Andrew Balfour (of Cree descent), writer and performer Ken MacDonald (an eleventh-generation settler), and featuring musicians from London Symphonia.

Pre-show art experience with Rhonda Snow one hour prior to each performance in the Rotary Lounge (Lower Level).

Get evening (open to public) tickets on CKTickets.com

For more information contact cortnee.goure@sccdsb.net

Friday, June 21, 2024

Bkejwanong Summer Solstice Celebration

High Banks Park, Walpole Island

Bkejwanong Summer Solstice Celebration this June 21st (National Indigenous Peoples Day) at High Banks Park!

6:00AM - Sunrise Ceremony at High Banks Lodge (Community Members welcome to bring food)

12:15PM- Opening Prayer

12:30PM - Until Full

- Sign up booth for Pontoon ride (Reminder- No food or drinks on ride)

- Free BBQ (Hotdogs and Hamburgers)

1:00PM

- Inflatables and Dunk Tank

- Music in the park

1:30PM - T-shirt Giveaway (1 per person and must be present)

10PM - FIREWORKS!

Everyone welcome!

Bring your own lawn chair.

On May 18th and 19th, Walpole Island First Nation will host their 30th Spring Pow Wow in Bkejwanong Territory.

Free to attend. All are welcome.

Learn more about the Pow Wow on their Facebook Page.

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 as animals are not necessary at cultural gatherings and ceremonial functions.

Sometimes specials can include placing a blanket on the ground for generous donations by visitors.

Security is provided for parking lot areas.

Ambulance and police are present.

Don’t bring alcohol or drugs.

Have fun!

What's Brewing Chatham-Kent? Newcomer Network

New to Chatham-Kent? Look no further! There are numerous organizations and individuals ready to help newcomers adjust to the community. Whether you are a newcomer to Chatham-Kent, Ontario, or Canada, we are here to welcome you!

Come join us at our monthly events to connect, make new acquaintances, and discover all that Chatham-Kent has in store for you!

One free non-alcoholic beverage included. Sponsored by United Way. Opportunities to win fun prizes!

At Turns & Tales, 213 King Street, Chatham.

Wednesday, May 22nd from 6:00PM - 8:00PM. Sponsored by United Way of Chatham-Kent, Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, Thamesview Family Health Team, Living CK, and CK Public Health.

Contact info@uwock.ca for more information.

The Sikh Community of Chatham-Kent invites the community to the celebration of the 325th Khalsa Sajna Diwas and the first Nagar Kirtan (Sikh Religious Parade) in CK.

The event is April 28, 2024, from 10 am – 2 pm.

The parade starts at Gurdwara Sikh Lehar International (210 King St. E. Chatham) at 10 am. The Sangat will travel along King Street, turning right on William Street and into Tecumseh Park for more celebrations until 2 pm.

Learn about Nagar Kirtan (Sikh Religious Parades)
Etiquette tips from Learn Religion (article). The root of the parades from Basics of Sikhi on YouTube (video).

Learn about Khalsa Sajna Diwas and Vaisakhi

World Sikh Organization (article) or Basics of Sihki on YouTube (video).

In honour of National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (M.M.I.W.G. and 2S+), several events will be held March 3-5 in Chatham-Kent.

All events are open to everyone. Attend when you are able.

Wear red to show your support (i.e. shirt, coat, pin - not a red dress).

For more information check out www.7GICFC.org

Schedule of Activities

Friday May 3, 2024

11:45AM: Gather, Civic Centre, 315 King Street West, Chatham

12:00PM M.M.I.W.G. and 2S+ flag raising, Civic Centre, 325 King Street West, Chatham

12:20PM Walk from Civic Centre to Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham

12:30PM Opening and displaying Red Dresses, Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham

1:00PM Lunch Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham (soup and oven bread)

1:30PM Lighting of Sacred Fire and Teachings, Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Bannock and tea at Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham.

10:00AM - 12:00PM and 1:00PM - 3:00PM

Drop-in and visit. Open conversation and Teachings with an Indigenous Grandmother.

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Vigil

Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham.

6:00PM Vigil Opening

6:10PM Giving of tobacco

6:20PM Sharing circle (Open sharing)

7:00PM Closing and taking down of Red Dresses

Co-sponsored by: Ska:Na Family Learning Centre; The Bleak House; Women's Equity Business; 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre; United Way of Chatham-Kent; Municipality of Chatham-Kent; OLG; St. Clair Catholic District School Board; Peer-2-Peer Network.

About The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People

Also called Red Dress Day, the day honours and brings awareness to the disproportionate violence that Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people face in Canada.

The red dress was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project, in which she hung empty, red dresses to represent the missing and murdered women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people found that, in Canada:

• Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit people are 12x more likely to go missing or be murdered than all other women, and 16x more likely than Caucasian women.
• In the last 30 years, more than 4000 Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit people have gone missing or been murdered. That’s about 133 a year or 3 a week.
• Because of persistent forms of oppression (racism, colonialism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism), complaints about missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and Women, are less likely to be taken seriously or followed up.

The National Inquiry led to 231 Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries, and all Canadians.

Supports

This day may be triggering for some people. Help is available.

National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people toll-free support phone line (24/7) 1-844-413-6649

Hope for Wellness Help Line (24/7) 1-855-242-3310

Learn More

Read the final report and Calls for Justice from the MMIWG2S+ National Inquiry on the National Inquiry website

Visit the National Family and Survivors Circle website

Visit the Amnesty International No More Stolen Sisters website

Find book, video and podcast recommendations on Simon Fraser University’s website