The Chatham Islamic Centre will hold an open house on Saturday, October 5th, 2024 from 11:00AM - 2:00 PM, inviting the community to tour the Mosque, meet fellow Muslim community members, learn about Islam, and get questions answered.

Everyone is welcome. Bring family, friends, and colleagues.

310 McNaughton Ave West, Chatham.

Refreshments and drinks provided.

Women in Business Summit Series

ATTENTION ALL WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS, PROFESSIONALS, CURRENT AND POTENTIAL LEADERS IN CHATHAM-KENT!

Chatham-Kent and Canadian Chambers of Commerce invite you to join the Women in Business Summit from September 24-26, 2024 from 1:00-2:30pm for three 90-minute high impact sessions.

This virtual event is designed to elevate your business strategies and drive real change during Canada’s Gender Equality Week.

As a special initiative your Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce has set aside 20 spots FREE OF CHARGE to attend this event at the Chamber office, 54 Fourth Street, Chatham, Ontario

Elevate your business strategies and drive real change during Canada’s Gender Equality Week with the 2024 Women in Business Summit Series.

Join us for three 90-minute sessions packed with insights and actionable strategies to advance gender equality in your organization.

“Unlocking Potential: Economic Power Through Gender Equality”.

Women, in all their diversity, should be able to fully participate in Canada’s economic, social and political life. Gender Equality Week is an opportunity to celebrate the progress Canada has made to date in advancing gender equality, while reflecting on the work that remains. This year’s theme, Unlocking Potential: Economic Power Through Gender Equality serves as a powerful reminder that gender equality is essential for a thriving and equitable society. Dismantling barriers to gender equality leads to a more robust and sustainable economy which fosters a future full of opportunities that benefits everyone.

Why Should You Attend?

Canada lags behind nearly half of all OECD countries in women’s representation in management and leadership roles, according to a report by the Canadian Chamber’s Business Data Lab.

This highlights a pressing need to enhance women’s roles in management, leadership and close compensation gaps.

Inspiring Speakers: Hear from industry leaders like Kadie Philp, Commissioner & Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Ontario Pay Equity Commission, Laura Williams, Founder and Managing Partner of Williams HR Law LLP and Dr. Rumeet Billan, CEO of Women of Influence and Founder of Viewpoint Leadership. As well you will hear three dynamic panel discussions on Creating an Inclusive Culture, Closing the Gender Pay Gap, and Setting Women Up for Success: The Role of Effective Mentorship.

Actionable Insights: Gain practical tools and strategies to overcome barriers and advance gender equality in your organization.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded women from across the country and expand your professional network.

Here’s What You’ll Gain:

Acquire Practical Tools & Strategies: Gain exclusive insights and actionable solutions from leading experts and accomplished entrepreneurs to tackle gender disparities in management and leadership.

Get Your Questions Answered: Have your queries addressed directly by influential thought leaders and business pioneers who have paved the way in advancing gender equality.

Earn a Certificate of Participation: Attend all three sessions and receive a certificate of participation to demonstrate your commitment to advancing gender equality in the workplace. Interactive Sessions: Participate in three 90-minute sessions packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies.

Get to know the speakers: Women in Business Summit Series: Get to Know our Speakers - Canadian Chamber of Commerce

How to Register: To receive your complimentary registration contact Rory Ring, President & CEO, Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce

rory@chatham-kentchamber.ca, call or text 705-989-4804

Registration is on a first come first basis and registrations over the 20 participants will be referred to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your professional growth, or invite someone you know, and contribute to a more equitable business landscape.

Feel free to share this with your network and encourage other women in Chatham-Kent to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

Let’s empower each other and build a brighter future together!

September 30th is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Read on to learn about these days, how the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is honouring them, community events, and where to learn more.

We would like to have a strong presence at Municipal partnership events. If you are interested in participating or helping at an event, please contact your Supervisor about what arrangements can be made (see Events section). We are especially looking for volunteers at the Healing Walk & Gathering September 30th.

Contact your DEIJ Champion or the DEIJ Coordinator for more details DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 226.312.2023 x. 2447

About Orange Shirt Day

The Orange Shirt Day movement was started by Phyllis Jack Webstad, a member of Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation and residential school Survivor. As she prepared to go to residential school at six years old, Phyllis's grandmother bought her a new orange shirt. When she arrived at the school, the shirt was taken from her. For Phyllis, the shirt represented her experience at residential school, and the neglect and harm children faced. Today, Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led, commemorative day to reflect, learn, and raise awareness about the inter-generational impacts of residential schools. September 30th was chosen because it's the time of year children would be taken from their home to residential schools.

Learn more about Orange Shirt Day from the Orange Shirt Society or read the book Phyllis's Orange Shirt.

About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was officially recognized by the Government of Canada in 2021 as a result of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. This is a day to lean in, listen, and learn about the ongoing impacts of colonization, including residential schools. It's a day to learn the 'truth' of our shared history, but also about how we can create pathways towards reconciliation and healing in our personal and professional lives.

Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day on the Government of Canada website.

Honouring Truth & Reconciliation at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent

The Municipality is partnering on several community events to honour Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We encourage staff to participate in these events as able, learn, and reflect. More details in the 'Events' section below.

September 30th is a great time to commit to learning year-round. Resources to support learning are included in the 'Learn' section below.

September 2024 DEIJ Lunch & Learn

Join Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit member Lana Parenteau for an orange pin workshop on September 18th, 12:10-1:00 PM at the Chatham Branch of CK Public Library. Open to all municipal employees. To register or for more information contact DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 225.312.2023 x. 2447

Time Off from Work

Although September 30th is a federally recognized Statutory holiday, it is not by the government of Ontario. All Municipal services and programs are operating. If you need time away to honour the day, please make arrangements with your Supervisor to use lieu time or another arrangement.

Supports

You are not alone. Reach out if you need support.

Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help 24/7 to all Indigenous Peoples in Canada. 1.855.242.3310 (toll free) or online chat www.hopeforwellness.ca

National Residential School Crisis Line provides 24/7 crisis support to former Residential School students and their families. 1.866.925.4419 (toll free)

Employee and Family Assistance Program: Available to all municipal employees and their dependents. Learn more from Telus Health or call 1.844.880.9142 (toll free).

Find additional supports on the Downie Wenjack website.

Municipal Flags

The National Truth & Reconciliation Survivors' flag will be raised at the Civic Centre on Thursday, September 26th. See event details below.

To commemorate National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, Municipal flags at all Municipal buildings will be lowered on September 30th.

Orange Shirts

We encourage colleagues to wear orange to events and on September 30th to show support for Orange Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation. Any orange shirt or orange shirt pin works. If you prefer to purchase items specifically for the day from local Indigenous vendors, please reach out to the DEIJ Coordinator for suggestions. DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 225.312.2023 x. 2447

Note: Orange shirts can be worn throughout the year to show support for the cause.

Events

Below is a list of some of the events happening in Chatham-Kent. We hope colleagues will participate, as able, to continue learning.

If you are interested in participating or helping out at the Municipal events where help is needed, please contact your Supervisor to determine what arrangements can be made.

For more information or to share other events, contact the DEIJ Coordinator DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 226.312.2023 x. 2447

People are encouraged to wear orange at all events. Everyone is welcome at all events, unless otherwise noted.

Thank you to the divisions and colleageus who are partnering to offer many of these events.

Saturday, September 14, 2024, 10:00 AM, Takwihleew Orange Shirt Pin Workshop, Imagination Station, CK Museum

Partnership between CK Museums and Come Together CK. Sponsored by Mainstreet Credit Union.

Registration required via the municipal website or 519.360.1998.

Monday, September 16,2024, 1:00 - 4:00 PM Sacred Fire, CKHA Chatham Riverscape

Hosted by Chatham-Kent Health Alliance's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Department. Hold space to remember and honour the children who are still missing and did not return home from Residential Schools and Day Schools, to honour the Survivors of these institutions, and to understand the intergenerational impacts that continue to affect Indigenous Peoples today.

All are welcome. Drop-in with speakers. Bring a lawn chair or blanket if you wish to sit.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 7:00PM, Moon Teachings, Deshkan Ziiibi, 495 King St W

Behind the Coach House, at fire.

Learn about BIINAAKWE GIIZIS, Falling Leaves Moon.

This is around a fire. Bring a lawn chair and dress for outdoors. Bring a glass jar with a lid (optional) to gather energy from the Moon..

Visit www.7gicfc.org for more information

Friday, September 20, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Sacred Fire, CKHA Wallaceburg Front Lawn

Hosted by Chatham-Kent Health Alliance's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Department. Hold space to remember and honour the children who are still missing and did not return home from Residential Schools and Day Schools, to honour the Survivors of these institutions, and to understand the intergenerational impacts that continue to affect Indigenous Peoples today.

All are welcome. Drop-in with speakers. Bring a lawn chair or blanket if you wish to sit.

Saturday, September 21, 2024, 11:00 AM Takwihleew Orange Shirt Pin Workshop, Wallaceburg Branch, CK Public Library

Partnership between CK Public Library, CK Museums and Come Together CK. Sponsored by Mainstreet Credit Union.

Registration required via the municipal website or 519.360.1998.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM GINDAASDAA Circle, 495 King St W and Online

A book club focusing on Indigenous authors who have written about Indigenous Knowledge, Reconciliation, and Worldviews. There is a recommended reading list available. One book is chosen to read, review, and discuss in bi-monthly Gindaasdaa Circle meetings. September book is Me Tomorrow: Indigenous Views on the Future compiled and edited by Drew Hayden Taylor.

All Welcome. Contact Naomi at naomi@skanaflc.com to register.

GINDAASDAA means 'looking at something together and learning from it' in the Ojibwe language.

This meeting will also happen with virtual attendees at River Bookshop in Amherstburg.

Thursday, September 26, 2024, 12:00 PM Flag Raising, Civic Centre, Chatham

Come together as a community to learn about and raise the Truth & Reconciliation Survivors' flag and learn about local initiatives to support Reconcli-ACTION in Chatham-Kent.

Orange shirts and orange shirt cookies will be available for purchase in support of local Indigenous-led and reconciliation-related programs.

Friday, September 27, 2024, 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM, Rise-N-Shine, Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King St W, Chatham

7:00 AM Sunrise teachings. 7:30 AM Morning stretches. 8:00 AM Breakfast snack.

Behind the Coach House.

Friday, September 27, 2024, 10:00 AM Orange Shirt Day Stories & Activities, Chatham Branch, CK Public Library

Join the CK Public Library & Ska:na Family Learning Centre for stories and activities to recognize and support Orange Shirt Day. Drop-in. Best suited for children 0-5 years of age.

Monday, September 30, 2024, 10:30 AM Healing Walk and Gathering, Wallaceburg

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Contact DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 226.312.2023 x. 2447

Walk starts at Wallaceburg Library Branch 209 James St. Gathering at Civic Square Park to follow.

Walk together and listen to guest speakers share their experiences and ideas about how we can heal.

Note: Survivors will share experiences of residential schools.

Partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Walpole Island First Nation Giyakiishchigewin program.

Monday, September 30, 2024, 12:00 - 5:00 PM Orange Shirt Pin Drop-In, Tilbury Branch, CK Public Library

Drop in at the CK Public Library Tilbury Branch to make your own orange shirt pint. No registration required.

Monday, September 30 - Saturday, October 5, 2024, Orange Shirt Pin Drop-In, Wheatley Branch, CK Public Library

Drop in at the CK Public Library Wheatley Branch during open hours this week to make your own orange shirt pint. No registration required.

Thursday, October 10, 2024, Homelands, Chatham Capitol Theatre

Partnership with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board. Performance by Kaha:wi Dance Theatre.

A celebration of life and nature in Indigenous dance! Embark on a mesmerizing journey through time and connection with Homelands, choreographed by renowned Six Nations of the Grand River artist Santee Smith. This award-winning multimedia performance explores the timeless kinship between Indigenous women and their lands and waterways, in a striking fusion of video projection, live dance and music.

A morning performance for school groups is also available: please contact Cortnee Goure at cortnee.goure@sccdsb.net or 519-627-6762 x10231 for more information or to register your class.

Learn

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action Number 57 calls upon all levels of governments (including municipal) to:

provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

September 30th is a great time to commit to learning year-round. Resources to support learning are included below. This list is not comprehensive but is meant as a starting place.

Listen:

A Day to Listen (September 30th)

Tune in to your favourite local radio station to learn about Indigenous arts and cultures, and how you can #DoSomething. Learn more from the Downie & Wenjack Fund website.

Watch:

Orange Shirt Day

Learn about the origins of Orange Shirt Day through this Youtube video by the Orange Shirt Society.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Lunch and Learns (September 23-27)

Open to anyone, five different webinars are offered throughout the week covering everything from the history and impacts of residential school, unconscious bias, to frameworks for how to move towards reconciliation. Learn more from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.

National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation Live Broadcast (September 30 2024, 3PM)

Broadcasted live on APTN and supporting broadcasters. The NCTR website will be updated with information closer to the event.

Where are our Children? Legacy of Hope Foundation

Read:

Residential Schools Timeline

A visual timeline of residential schools in Canada. Find it on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action

Drafted from consultations with residential schools survivors and family members across the Canada. Recommendations are directed at individuals, organizations, and all levels of government. Read the Calls to Action on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.

CK Road to Understanding Indigenous Cultures

Learn about local First Nations, relationships with government, and Treaties. Find the resource on the Living CK website. Hard copies of this resource are available by contacting the DEIJ Coordinator DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 226.312.2023 x. 2447

FCM Resources

Federation of Municipalities of Ontario Reconciliation Resources.

Understanding and implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

AMO Resources for Municipal - Indigenous Relationships

View resources and information from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario website.

The Witness Blanket

Explore items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings accompanied by the voices of Survivors. Visit The Witness Blanket website.

Training:

The following organizations offer training to meet Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 57 (see above):

Association of Municipalities of Ontario and Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (fee based)

Indigenous Corporate Training (fee based)

4 Seasons of Reconciliation (fee based)

University of Alberta Indigenous Canada course (free)

Join Come Together CK’s Lana Parenteau to learn and create Takwihleew* Orange Shirt Pins in honour of Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30^th). The pins can be worn throughout the year as a way to raise awareness about the impacts of residential schools on Indigenous people, families, and communities.

Please note the location is at CK Public Library, Chatham Branch, program room.

Light snacks will be available. Please feel free to bring your lunch.

Register by contacting the Rebecca Haskell-Thomas, Coordinator, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or x. 2447.

*Takwihleew is Munsee for Come Together. Munsee is the language spoken by Lenape at Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit, sometimes called Delaware Nation at Moraviantown.

A full list of events happening throughout the month in honour or Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth & Reconciliation will be available soon.

Click on the image above to download the September calendar of dates important to communities in Chatham-Kent. Click on the text in the calendar to learn more about each date.

If you are printing the calendar, please print on Legal size paper.

If you are sharing with partners, please use our external website version.

Please contact us if you notice dates missing or errors DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or x. 2447

How to Use the DEIJ Calendar

Use this calendar to inform programming, scheduling, and to better understand colleagues and communities we serve. For example:

• Avoid scheduling events on days important to communities in CK to ensure everyone can participate and show respect for each other.
• Supervisors: Colleagues may request time off to honour important dates. Employers have a duty to accommodate employee's creed to the point of undue hardship, including providing time off for religious holidays. Learn more from the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Remember that outside of these holidays, people may have regular prayer, reflection, or fasting practices.

We encourage you to get to know your team - find out what days and holidays are important to each other, if and how these days should be acknowledged.

Community Events

We post information about community events throughout the month in the 'Engage' section of the DEIJ Employee Portal.

Some of the important events to know about this month:

Taste of Chatham-Kent: Participate in events until September 30th that highlight cultural diversity in CK including Buxton Homecoming, the CK Malayalee Association's Onam festival, Roots & Riddim Festival at Yardie Vibez, and more.

CK Welcome Week: September 13-21. Events celebrate newcomers and promote diversity in Chatham-Kent.

Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: In early September, we will share a calendar of some of the local events happening from mid-September to mid-October in honour or Truth & Reconciliation. Our September DEIJ Lunch & Learn will also be on this theme. Also, the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation has released their schedule of national Lunch & Learn programming.

Click on the image above to download the August calendar of dates important to communities in Chatham-Kent. Click on the text in the calendar to learn more about each date.

If you are printing the calendar, please print on Legal size paper.

If you are sharing with partners, please use our external website version.

Please contact us if you notice dates missing or errors DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or x. 2447

How to Use the DEIJ Calendar

Use this calendar to inform programming, scheduling, and to better understand colleagues and communities we serve. For example:

• Avoid scheduling events on days important to communities in CK to ensure everyone can participate and show respect for each other.
• Supervisors: Colleagues may request time off to honour important dates. Employers have a duty to accommodate employee's creed to the point of undue hardship, including providing time off for religious holidays. Learn more from the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Remember that outside of these holidays, people may have regular prayer, reflection, or fasting practices.

We encourage you to get to know your team - find out what days and holidays are important to each other, if and how these days should be acknowledged.

Community Events

We post information about community events throughout the month in the 'Engage' section of the DEIJ Employee Portal.

Some of the important events to know about this month:

August 1st: Emancipation Day

Honouring the date the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect across the British Empire. Learn about local Black History year-round from local Black Historic sites!

August 10-18: CK Pride Week

Join any event, but especially the flag raising on August 12th and the municipal entry in the Pride parade August 17th - we'll be leading the parade!

August 29: International Overdose Awareness Day event

Join events in Chatham and Wallaceburg on Thursday, August 29th from 3-6PM as part of a campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.

Thursday, August 22, 2024, 12:10-1:00PM

PABC 224 or Teams (Hybrid)

Please register ahead by contacting Rebecca DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or x. 2447

Light snacks provided. Please bring a lunch if you would like.

You're a good person who tries to be inclusive of everyone. But even with good intentions, mental shortcuts can get in the way of our equity and inclusion efforts.

Learn to recognize these 'unconscious' processes, the impacts they can have, and strategies to manage them.

Open to all municipal employees.

We are excited to announce that CK Pride has invited our municipal entry to lead the 2024 CK Pride Parade!

We invite you to join other municipal colleagues for a fun, inclusive, and family-friendly event.

All municipal employees are welcome to attend. Please invite family and friends!

Participating in the CK Pride Parade is a voluntary event outside of work time to honour Pride, inclusion, and celebrate together.

Suggest a theme for our entry before July 24th!

Submit an idea for a theme for our entry! This will help us choose how we should dress and decorate.

Use the QR code on the flyer above or email DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca with your ideas.

Help shape our Pride Playlist!

Submit a song idea for our Pride playlist! Share your family-friendly Pride-themed song suggestions to keep us dancing along the parade route.

Use the QR code on the flyer above or email DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca with your request.

Parade Details:

Saturday, August 17^th, 11:00AM

Parade starts at the Chatham Civic Centre and ends at Bill’s Place (48 Centre Street, Chatham).

A van will be available for people who want to participate but can’t walk the route. Stollers or other mobility devices welcome.

Everyone is welcome to stay for the festival afterwards!

Register, share a theme or song idea, or ask questions:

Register, share theme or song suggestions or ask questions through the DEIJ Employee Portal or contact Rebecca Haskell-Thomas, Coordinator, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca 226.312.2023 x 2447.

Learn more about Pride:

More details about local Pride week events are on the CK Pride website.

Learn more about Pride and supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities at work from the DEIJ Employee Portal.

Wednesday, July 17, 12:10-1:00PM

PABC 224 or Teams (Hybrid)

Please register ahead by contacting Rebecca DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or x. 2447

Light snacks provided. Please bring a lunch if you would like.

As we work to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, we may feel pressure to do and say the right thing all the time. But we’re all human! Let’s talk about how we create spaces to share hesitancies, ask questions, make mistakes, learn, and move forward with a goal of building better relationships and a stronger organization

Open to all municipal employees.

Click on the image above to download the July calendar of dates important to communities in Chatham-Kent. Click on the text in the calendar to learn more about each date.

If you are printing the calendar, please print on Legal size paper.

If you are sharing with partners, please use our external website version.

Please contact us if you notice dates missing or errors DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or x. 2447

How to Use the DEIJ Calendar

Use this calendar to inform programming, scheduling, and to better understand colleagues and communities we serve. For example:

• Avoid scheduling events on days important to communities in CK to ensure everyone can participate and show respect for each other.
• Supervisors: Colleagues may request time off to honour important dates. Employers have a duty to accommodate employee's creed to the point of undue hardship, including providing time off for religious holidays. Learn more from the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Remember that outside of these holidays, people may have regular prayer or reflection practices throughout the week.

We encourage you to get to know your team - find out what days and holidays are important to each other, if and how these days should be acknowledged.

Community Events

We post information about community events throughout the month in the 'Engage' section of the DEIJ Employee Portal.

Outlook Calendar

Did you know you can access more information about each date through a DEIJ Outlook calendar?

To get access to the calendar, email DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or call x. 2447