This week is Pride Week in Chatham-Kent!

We are celebrating the diverse Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer or Questioning (2SLGBTQ+) people and communities in Chatham-Kent!

We will be celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ communities with the 1st Municipality of CK Pride Parade Entry on Saturday, August, 20th! Follow CK Pride to learn more about all the activities taking place this week.

On SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2022 AT 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Kingston Park, Adult Language and Learning will be hosting a Newcomer Picnic. Everyone is welcomed, hope to see you there! For more information, call: 519-354-7424.

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.