Category Inclusion Show all
-
New Resource: The Cost of Eating in CK 2023 Infographic
March is Nutrition Month and we can't talk about that without also talking about Food Insecurity.
1 in 5 households in Chatham-Kent do not have enough money to buy food. That's 20% of the community who must decide between paying their bills or buying food.
The 2023 Cost of Eating Infographic shows the monthly cost of eating in CK and the numbers show that current social assistance programs are not enough.
View the entire infographic at: www.ckpublichealth.com/foodinsecurity
-
Black History Month 2024 in Chatham-Kent
February is Black History Month, a month dedicated to honouring and celebrating the accomplishments of Canadians of African descent.
This month and all year long, we encourage you to learn about Black communities and community members who have helped shape what Chatham-Kent is today.
See below for some of the events taking place across Chatham-Kent throughout the month. Feel free to share with colleagues and community.
We would like to thank the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum, Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, and our colleagues across the Municipality of Chatham-Kent for their partnerships and continued work to preserve and share our local and national history.
Why do we Honour Black History Month?
Black History has largely been excluded from mainstream recounting of Canadian history. That means the contributions of Black community members have often been excluded, even though they are important parts of our shared history. For example, many people don't know that soldiers of African descent made sacrifices in wartimes and actually had to advocate to be able to fight for their Country. Or, that African people were enslaved in Canada, in addition to the United States of America. Because of this exclusion of Black stories and contributions, having a dedicated month helps ensure that these stories are told. And, it helps to highlight the continued struggles for liberation, equity, and justice.
How was Black History Month Established?
In Canada, Black History Month was first proclaimed in 1978 by the City of Toronto as a result of advocacy by the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS), including Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks.
In 1993, the OBHS successfully filed a petition in Ontario to proclaim February as Black History Month. Following that success, Rosemary Sadlier, president of the OBHS, introduced the idea of having Black History Month recognized across Canada to the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.
In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by Dr. Augustine. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously.
In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008. The adoption of this motion completed Canada’s parliamentary position on Black History Month.
What is Happening to Honour Black History Month in Chatham-Kent?
Thursday, February 1, 12:00PM
Black History Month Flag Raising, 315 King St W, Chatham (Civic Centre)
Bundle up and show your support for the kick-off of Black History Month in Chatham-Kent!
Join the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, and the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History to honour the start of Black History Month and learn about what is happening in Chatham-Kent throughout the month.
Thursday, February 8, 10:00AM – 11:00AM
Buxton Museum Storytime, Chatham-Kent Public Library, Chatham Branch
Join us for a special story time celebrating Black History Month with special guests from the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum. Best suited for children 5 and younger. Drop-in.
Saturday, February 10, 6:00PM – 1:00AM (cost to attend)
Chatham-Kent Black Excellence Awards, Retro Suites Hotel
This inaugural event to recognize the outstanding accomplishment of local Black community members and celebrate Black cultures, and community advocates. Attendees from all cultures are welcome.
Learn more and purchase tickets through EventBrite.
Thursday, February 22, 6:30PM – 7:15PM
Twilight Tails, Chatham-Kent Public Library, Dresden Branch
February is Black History Month, and we have all kinds of treasures to help celebrate. Play the jumbo Match-Up of famous athletes, entertainers, and inventors. Registration is not necessary.
Tuesday, February 27, 6:00PM
Trivia Night, Red Barn Brewing Co.
Join Red Barn Brewing and Buxton's Next Generation (BNG) for a fun night of trivia, including Black History Month questions. A portion of proceeds go to BNG.
Buy tickets from Red Barn Brewing company.
Wednesday, February 28, 2:00PM and 7:00PM
Screening of The Color Purple, Chatham Capitol Theatre
A story of love and resilience bast on the novel and Broadway musical. Rated PG-13. Admission $7 at the door. No registration required.
All Month-Long
Black History Month Quiz
Test your knowledge about Black History in Chatham-Kent and enter to win tickets to a screening of The Color Purple on February 28th!
Take the quiz here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QEKTHXGBV
Thanks to our friends at Buxton National History Site & Museum, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, Buxton's Next Generation, Chatham Capitol Theatre, and Living CK for this partnership!Buxton National Historic Site & Museum
Visit Ontario’s second largest national historic site, a tribute to the Elgin settlement virtually or in-person.
Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum
Learn about the Black community that settles along McGregor’s Creek in Chatham at the end of the 18th century to present day. Self-guided tours available.
Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History
Site of the Dawn Settlement, built by Rev. Josiah Henson in 1841. In-person tours available for groups of 15 or more. Virtual tours also available.
Chatham-Kent Municipal Museums
Let Us March on till Victory is Won: The Struggle for Racial Equity in CK and Ontario
The exhibit traces the National Unity Association’s crusade for justice and determination to end practices of segregation in Chatham-Kent and Ontario. Visit the virtual exhibit or book the travelling exhibit to see it in-person.
Chatham-Kent Public Library
Read Black Voices, All Branches
Celebrate the diversity of Black experiences by reading books by Black authors and illustrators. Participants will earn a ballot when they borrow a book with the Black Voices bookmarks for a chance to win a prize pack.
Black History Month Quizzes, Tilbury Branch
Drop-in to the Tilbury Branch each week in February for a new quiz about notable Black figures and historic events.
Living CK
Stay tuned to the Living CK Facebook or Instagram channels for information about Black History Month in Chatham-Kent.
Thames Art Gallery
Visit their Facebook and Instagram pages to learn about Black artists with local ties throughout the month.
-
Feb 1: Black History Month Flag Raising
Thursday, February 1st, 12:00 - 12:30, 315 King Street West, Chatham (Chatham Civic Centre)
Join the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, and the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum to honour the start of Black History Month and learn about what is happening in Chatham-Kent throughout the month.
Stay tuned to the DEIJ website for details about events happening throughout February to honour Black History Month.
-
Event: Nov 18th Diwali Celebration
On November 18th, the CK Asian Cultural Association is hosting a Diwali celebration that is open to everyone.
Saturday, November 18th. Ursuline College, 85 Grand Ave West, Chatham.
Dinner 5:30-6:30PM.
Pre-order food before November 14th. Adults $15, Students $10, Below Grade 7, free.
Pre order using the above QR code or at this link: https://forms.gle/g3Xoogwgw2yaGqPu8
Payment can be send by etransfer to ckaca.events@gmail.com
Cultural Celebrations 6:45-10:00PM.
This portion is free.
Go to either or both portions of the event.
For further information please contact the organizing Committee members:
519 401 3162
519 365 5373
519 809 3495
519 784 4041
-
Event: October 12 Twin Flames Performance
Indie-rock, synth-rock and folk-pop are just a few of the ways Twin Flames’ music has been described – their unique sound, which blends Indigenous Spirit flutes, traditional drums and western instruments, defies classification.The husband and wife duo - Chelsey June, métis (Algonquin Cree heritage) from Ottawa, and Jaaji, Inuk and Mohawk from Nunavik and Kahnawake – has garnered more than 40 awards and nominations, include the Canadian Folk Music Award in 2022 for Vocal Group of the Year. Their stories and songs, which they perform in a mix of English, French, and Inuktitut, honour their ancestors and relay stories from coast to coast, and have placed them at the forefront of the Indigenous Music renaissance.
Tickets: $20-$35 + Handling Fees
Learn more and buy tickets at CKTickets.com
-
Event: Sept 29 & 30 Walapolooza
Happening on Walpole Island First Nation at Highbanks Park on September 29th and 30th.Open to everyone. Two days of live music, with Indigenous artists and performers.Brought to you by Bkejwanong Youth Council, Bkejwanong Biiweziimag Kinomaagziwad, Bkejwanong Family Well-Being program, Walpole Island Heritage Centre and others.Free event.
Drugs and alcohol-free.
Schedule:
Day 1 (September 29th)
3:00: Opening - Emcee Drives the Common Man & Kelly Kiyoshk & Residential School Survivors Special
3:15 Fawn Wood
4:00 Native Pool Boy
5:15 Natash Fisher
6:30 Drives the Common Man
8:00 Karaoke w/ Drives
8:45 Derek Miller
10:30 Closing
Day 2 (September 30th)
3:00 Opening - Emcee Eagle Blackbird & Romaine Peters
3:05 Jade Soney & Hunter Shipman
3:15 Alaina Sonefish
3:30 Wicked Sonz
4:30 Vance Brigham
5:00 Crystal Shawanda
7:15 Lager Jayne
8:00 Brother's Wilde
10:00 Closing
-
Events: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30
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.
Contact the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Coordinator for more details or to add additional events DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 226.312.2023 x. 2447.
About September 30th
About
Orange Shirt DayThe 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.
Events
Below is a list of some of the events happening in Chatham-Kent. Events are open to everyone. We hope you will wear orange and participate as able, to show support for Truth and Reconciliation in Chatham-Kent.
Feel free to save and share the poster below. Contact DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca for a PDF version. More details about each event are listed below.
Tuesday, September 26, 11:30 AM Flag Walk & Raising
Starts: Deshkan Ziibi Indigenous Hub, 495 King St W., Chatham
Ends: Civic Centre, 315 King St W., Chatham
Walk with and raise the Truth & Reconciliation Survivor's flag. Partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Maawnjidimi Indigenous Network, Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre. Police escort will be present.
Thursday, September 28 Sunrise & Moon Gatherings
7:00AM Sunrise Gathering; 8:00AM Networking Breakfast; 9:00-11:00AM Sharing Circle
7:00-9:00PM Full Moon Gathering
All events at Deshkan Ziibi Indigenous Hub, 495 King St. W. Chatham. Bring a lawn chair and warm clothing.
Offered through the 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre, Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, and Women's Equity Business.
Friday, September 29, 10:00 AM Orange Shirt Day Storytime
120 Queen Street, Chatham
Join the CK Public Library, Chatham Branch, for storytime to recognize and support Orange Shirt Day with Linda Lou, guest Librarian from Bkejwanong Territory, Walpole Island First Nation Public Library.
Friday, September 29, 10:30 AM Healing Walk and Gathering Starts: Wallaceburg Library, 209 James St., Wallaceburg
Ends: Civic Square Park, Wallaceburg
Walk together and listen to guest speakers share their experiences and ideas about how we can heal. Partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Bkejwanong Territory Giyakiishchigewin program.
Saturday, September 30th, 7-11PM. Turns and Tales
By Punk Rock Flea Market. All ages and communities friendly event. Punk Nite Honours Truth & Reconciliation. Indigenous vendors. Donation to local charity. DJ Sisyphus playing Indigenous artists.
Learn
September 30th is a great time to commit to learning. 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 Mino Bimaadiziwin (the Good Life in Anishinabemowin). 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 25-29, 1:30-2:20 each day)
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.
Read:
Residential Schools Timeline
A visual timeline of residential schools in Canada. Find it on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.
The Witness Blank
Explore items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings accompanied by the voices of Survivors. Visit The Witness Blanket 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.
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)
-
Event: Sept 1-4 Buxton's 100th Homecoming
Buxton's 100th Homecoming is happening on Labour Day weekend, September 1-4!Explore the history and heritage of the community, learn and celebrate together.
Everyone welcome.
More information and full schedule is available on the Buxton 100th Homecoming website.
We hope to see you there!