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• International Overdose Awareness Day 2026

  

  CK Public Health, Reach Out Chatham-Kent, and the Community Drug Strategy invite you to join in honouring International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 2026. Each year in August partners come together to remember individuals whose lives were cut short by preventable drug toxicities, and to re-imagine how we can co-create a safe, caring, and inclusive future for our community. This year, our theme is Every Story. Every Path. Every Life Matters.

  
  

  Here are some ways you can take action:
  
  

  • Attend the online learning session on Tuesday August 25^th 12-1pm to learn from renowned Nursing Leader, Parent Advocate, and MomsContinue reading

  CK Public Health, Reach Out Chatham-Kent, and the Community Drug Strategy invite you to join in honouring International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 2026. Each year in August partners come together to remember individuals whose lives were cut short by preventable drug toxicities, and to re-imagine how we can co-create a safe, caring, and inclusive future for our community. This year, our theme is Every Story. Every Path. Every Life Matters.

  
  

  Here are some ways you can take action:
  
  

  • Attend the online learning session on Tuesday August 25^th 12-1pm to learn from renowned Nursing Leader, Parent Advocate, and Moms Stop The Harm Champion, Kathy Moreland. Kathy will share her lived experience journey as a mother who lost her 18-year-old son, Austin, to fentanyl toxicity. Email jordynne.linsday@ckoht.ca to register
    
    

  • Attend the in-person memorial gathering on Wednesday August 26^th anytime from 3-6pm at 39 Richmond St., Chatham.
    • OR drop-in on Thursday August 27^th 4-7pm at 233 Nelson St. in Wallaceburg.
    • Food and refreshments, music, art, and resources will be provided. All are welcome.
      
      

  • Use person-first, non-stigmatizing language to support individuals to seek help, provide equitable substance use health services, and encourage unbiased, effective policy. Research shows the words we use shape the care people who use substances receive and the opportunities available to them.
    
    

  • Carry a Naloxone kit and learn how to respond to an acute drug toxicity.
    
    

  • Learn more about substance use stigma and drug policy in Canada. Share what you learn with others in your circles.
    
    

  • Plan a Compassionate Approaches training for your team/organization to learn with and from People With Lived and Living Expertise.
    
    

  • Advocate for evidence-based solutions to the drug toxicity crisis such as early prevention, voluntary treatment, harm reduction, and supportive housing.
    
    

  • Wear purple on August 31^st to show your support.
    
    

  
  

  

  

  
  

  

• Sept 5 & 6 2026: Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit Competition Pow Wow

  

  Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit is hosting their 54th annual Competition Pow Wow on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6th.

  Everyone is welcome.

  
  

  Location: Behind the Community Centre at 14811 Schools Line in Bothwell.

  Admission: Adults $10. Seniors/Children under 12 $5. Children under 3 are free.

  Grand entry: 12PM and 7PM on Saturday and 12PM on Sunday.

  No pets. Drug & alcohol free event. Bring a lawn chair.

  For more information visit their Facebook page or contact powwow@delawarenation.on.ca or call main office 519-692-3936 and leave a message

  
  

  See tips for attending pow wows below the flyer.

  

  Learn more about Pow Wows andContinue reading

  Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit is hosting their 54th annual Competition Pow Wow on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6th.

  Everyone is welcome.

  
  

  Location: Behind the Community Centre at 14811 Schools Line in Bothwell.

  Admission: Adults $10. Seniors/Children under 12 $5. Children under 3 are free.

  Grand entry: 12PM and 7PM on Saturday and 12PM on Sunday.

  No pets. Drug & alcohol free event. Bring a lawn chair.

  For more information visit their Facebook page or contact powwow@delawarenation.on.ca or call main office 519-692-3936 and leave a message

  
  

  See tips for attending pow wows below the flyer.

  

  Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:

  A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link).

  Indigenous Pow Wow Protocols from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)

  Indigenous Pow Wow Dances from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)

  
  

  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 participate 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.

  Don’t bring alcohol or drugs.

  Have fun!

• Sept 10-20, 2026: CK Welcome Week

  

  Save the Date! Chatham-Kent's annual Welcome Week is happening September 10th - 20th, 2006.

  CK Welcome Week is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the diversity of our community.

  Stay tuned to the CK Welcome Week website for events.

  
  

  Host an Event!

  Community groups and organizations are invited to host events or collaborate on initiatives that promote inclusion and belonging. Ideas for events or activities you could host during the week are below, though this list is not exhaustive:

  • an open house or networking event
  • volunteering opportunity
  • civic engagement
  • open book club, or storytelling event
  • sharing employee experiences
  • workshops orContinue reading

  Save the Date! Chatham-Kent's annual Welcome Week is happening September 10th - 20th, 2006.

  CK Welcome Week is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the diversity of our community.

  Stay tuned to the CK Welcome Week website for events.

  
  

  Host an Event!

  Community groups and organizations are invited to host events or collaborate on initiatives that promote inclusion and belonging. Ideas for events or activities you could host during the week are below, though this list is not exhaustive:

  • an open house or networking event
  • volunteering opportunity
  • civic engagement
  • open book club, or storytelling event
  • sharing employee experiences
  • workshops or info sessions
  • cultural and/or artistic demonstrations
  • classes or interactive learning opportunities
  • sports, games or family-friendly activities
  • films or documentaries

  Please send the details of your event to cklip@chatham-kent.ca as soon as possible so that your event can be promoted on the CK Welcome Week website and social media.

  
  

  Participate in CK Welcomes: A Community Showcase

  The Community Attraction and Promotion department and the Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership (CK LIP) invite groups to take part in CK Welcomes: A Community Showcase, on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Kingston Park in Chatham.

  This event is to help newcomers and international students feel at home in Chatham-Kent. We’re creating a vibrant, welcoming space where residents can connect, explore local opportunities, and discover ways to get involved in our community.

  Community groups, including sports and recreation clubs, ethno-cultural organizations, nonprofits, and special interest groups, are invited to host a booth at the event. It’s a fantastic opportunity to:

  • Promote your programs, services, and activities
  • Recruit new members or volunteers
  • Share upcoming events or initiatives
  • Connect with newcomers and expand your network

  Each participating group will be provided with a free 10 ft x 10 ft space to engage with attendees. You may choose either a spot under the pavilion (with a picnic table) or on the grass.

  The event will be widely promoted across Chatham-Kent through social media, local media, and community networks to ensure strong attendance.

  If you are interested in participating or have questions, please email Teresa Fysh at teresaf@chatham-kent.ca with the following information:

  Organization or Group Name

  • Contact Name
  • Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • A short description of your booth or services
  • Indicate you want space on the grass or under the pavilion with a picnic table

• Sept 12 - 13, 2026: Harvest Moon Pow Wow

  

  Dgwaagig Pii-maadoongeng Dibik Giizis

  "Harvest Moon Pow-Wow"

  September 12 and 13, 2026

  Highbanks Park, Bkejwanong Territory, Walpole Island

  
  

  For more information visit the Walpole Island First Nation website or the Dgwaagig Pii-maadoongeng Dibik Giizis Facebook Page.

  
  

  Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:

  A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)

  Indigenous Pow Wow Protocols from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)

  Indigenous Pow Wow Dances from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)

  Pow Wow Guide by Full Circle Indigenous(External link)

  
  

  Tips for Attending:

  Listen to the Master of Ceremonies/Emcee – they’ll explain what’s happeningContinue reading

  Dgwaagig Pii-maadoongeng Dibik Giizis

  "Harvest Moon Pow-Wow"

  September 12 and 13, 2026

  Highbanks Park, Bkejwanong Territory, Walpole Island

  
  

  For more information visit the Walpole Island First Nation website or the Dgwaagig Pii-maadoongeng Dibik Giizis Facebook Page.

  
  

  Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:

  A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)

  Indigenous Pow Wow Protocols from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)

  Indigenous Pow Wow Dances from Indigenous Corporate Training(External link)

  Pow Wow Guide by Full Circle Indigenous(External link)

  
  

  Tips for Attending:

  Listen to the Master of Ceremonies/Emcee – they’ll explain what’s happening to help visitors.

  Ask permission before taking pictures of people. Generally, pictures are not allowed during Grand Entry but allowed at other times, but listen to the MC for instructions.

  Use the term 'Regalia' to describe what dancers are wearing.

  Don’t touch people’s Regalia without permission. They are not costumes and hold special meaning to dancers.

  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.

  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.

  Leave pets at home.

  Don’t bring alcohol or drugs.

  Listen for 'Round' or 'Intertribal' dances - times where people of all Nations and without Regalia are usually welcome to join in.

  Have fun!

• Get Connected to a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner

  

  Health Care Connect makes it easy to find a family doctor or nurse practitioner in your area.
  
  𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀
  1. Call or register online
  2. A care connector (a Health Care Connect nurse) looks for a family doctor or primary care nurse practitioner in your community
  3. You are contacted when a match is found
  
  Register today, call 811 (available 24/7) or visit ontario.ca/healthcareconnect

  
  

  

  Health Care Connect makes it easy to find a family doctor or nurse practitioner in your area.
  
  𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀
  1. Call or register online
  2. A care connector (a Health Care Connect nurse) looks for a family doctor or primary care nurse practitioner in your community
  3. You are contacted when a match is found
  
  Register today, call 811 (available 24/7) or visit ontario.ca/healthcareconnect