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Feb 2: World Hijab Day Webinar
World Hijab Day: Fostering Understanding and Respect Webinar
Monday, February 2, 12:15 – 12:45, Microsoft Teams
Register on EventBrite.
A calendar invitation with a Teams link will be sent to registrants.
Join us for an engaging Lunch & Learn in honour of World Hijab Day. This short webinar will explore the significance of head coverings worn by Muslim women, the diversity of styles, and common questions and misconceptions. Deepen your understanding, ask questions, and help make Chatham‑Kent a respectful and inclusive place for everyone.
This session is free and open to all to attend.
Presented by the Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership and the Municipality of Chatham‑Kent.
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February 2026: Black History Month in Chatham-Kent
February is Black History Month!
Each February, we are proud to honour Black History Month, an opportunity to recognize the histories and achievements of Black Canadians and communities.
Chatham-Kent is home to some of the most successful Black settlements in Canadian history, shaping the Chatham-Kent, and Canada, we know today. In Chatham-Kent, three historic sites are dedicated to sharing these local histories, Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, and The Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History.
Why do we honour Black History Month?
Although Black communities have been an important part of Canada’s heritage, the stories, achievements, and contributions of African-Canadian and Black individuals and communities is often left out of mainstream recounting of Canadian history. This shared history is important all year, but having a designated Black History Month ensures these stories are told. The month is an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of Black community members and the continued struggles for liberation, equity, and justice. It isn't about special treatment or division; it's about filling gaps so we can have a complete and honest picture of our shared history and can build a future where everyone sees themselves reflected and valued.
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.
Celebrate Black History Month with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent!
Discover local history, inspiring stories, and vibrant community events throughout February on the Visit CK website. Learn about municipal programs below.🚩 January 30, 12:00 PM – Black History Month Flag Raising
Location: Chatham Civic Centre, 315 King St W, ChathamJoin us as we raise the flag to officially begin Black History Month. Hosted by The Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, The Josiah Henson Museum of African Canadian History, and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Everyone is welcome!➡️ Come celebrate with us at noon and show your support!🎥 February 4, 7:00 PM – Movie Night: Harriet
Location: Chatham Capitol TheatreExperience the incredible story of Harriet Tubman—her escape from slavery and heroic missions to free others via the Underground Railroad.Tickets: $7 at the door➡️ https://www.chathamcapitoltheatre.com for more information📚 February 7, 10:30 AM – Celebrate Black History Month
Location: Chatham-Kent Public Library, Chatham BranchEnjoy a free story and hands-on music experience for all ages. Presented in partnership with Buxton National Historic Site & Museum.➡️ Bring the family to drop-in and join us for this interactive celebration!🎥 February 11, 7:00 PM – Movie Night: 42: The Jackie Robinson Story
Location: Chatham Capitol TheatreWitness the powerful true story of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier.Tickets: $7 at the door➡️ https://www.chathamcapitoltheatre.com for more information🎨 February 14 & 21 – Kids Club Featuring Artis Shreve Lane
- February 14, 9:00–10:00 AM: Imagination Station, Chatham (Register online)
- February 21, 11:00–12:00 PM: Wallaceburg Library Branch (Register with library)
Children ages 6–12 will learn about local artist Artis Shreve Lane and create clay sculptures. Free Program – Registration Required.➡️ Sign up now—spaces are limited!🧵 February 16 - Family Day: Sound Suits!
Location: ArtSpark, Gallery Mezzanine, Thames Art Gallery
Learn about artist Nick Cave and his extraordinary Sound Suits—vibrant works that blend fashion, performance, and sculpture. Families are invited to create their own Sound Suit designs using markers and craft materials from the art cart.
➡️ A fun, creative drop-in activity for all ages!🎉 February 18, 6:00 PM - 12AM – Virtual Trivia Night
Test your Chatham-Kent Black History knowledge through virtual trivial. Partnership between CK Public Library and CK Museums.➡️Join in on CKPL's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CKPLibrary🎥 February 18, 7:00 PM – Movie Night: The Princess and The Frog
Location: Chatham Capitol TheatreA reimagining of the classic fairy tale.Tickets: $7 at the door➡️ https://www.chathamcapitoltheatre.com for more information🎥 February 24, 7:00 PM – Movie Night: Selma
Location: Chatham Capitol TheatreChronicles the historic 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, led by Dr. Martin Luther King JrTickets: $7 at the door➡️ https://www.chathamcapitoltheatre.com for more information📖 All Month – Explore & Celebrate
- Travelling Exhibit: Let Us March on Til Victory is Won – Book or view online through CK Museums.
- Read Black Voices: Visit CKPL branches or online to discover books by Black authors and illustrators. Or check out their children's reading list.
- Local History Displays: Dresden Municipal Centre & Chatham Civic Centre, in partnership with Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, and Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum
➡️ Visit exhibits, borrow a book, and share the stories that shaped our community! -
Feb 24: GINDAASDAA Circle
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:30 - 8:00. In-person at 495 King St. W, Chatham or Zoom
RSVP: naomi@skanaflc.com
The Gindaasdaa Circle is a book club focusing on Indigenous authors who've written about Indigenous Knowledge, Reconciliation, and Worldviews. A book will be chosen for everyone to read, review, and discuss at the bi-monthly meeting. Suggestions are always welcome.
February's Books:
Seven Fallen Feathers, Tanya Tagala
52 Ways to Reconciliation: How to Walk with Indigenous People on the Path to Healing, David A. Robertson
This month's GINDAASDAA will be a little different in format, to catch-up on the previous book read nut not reviewed. We will spend about half the time on 'Seven Fallen Feathers', then switch to '52 Ways to Reconcile'.
We would like you to think of a few of the approaches listed in the book (52 Ways) and share what you've done personally and professionally, and what you're planning on doing towards reconciliation.
Sharing your greats ideas will help all of us to walk together on the path to healing.
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Spotlight on CKOHT's Anti-Black Racism/Anti-Oppression Action Team
Building an Equitable Health System: Spotlight on CKOHT’s Anti-Black Racism / Anti-Oppression Action Team
The Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT) and members (including the Municipality of Chatham-Kent) are committed to creating a healthcare system where equity and inclusion are at the forefront. At the heart of this work is the Anti-Black Racism / Anti-Oppression Action Team, a sub-working group of the CKOHT Diversity & Equity Working Group. This team was formed to address systemic barriers, address anti-Black racism and ensure historically marginalized voices help shape local healthcare.
Impact So Far
The Action Team has led meaningful initiatives, including:
- Investing in education and anti-Black racism training for local health care staff & leadership.
- Securing funding for health programming for Black communities in Chatham-Kent.
- Amplifying underrepresented voices through the ‘Seen & Heard’ campaign.
- Conducting research to identify gaps and barriers. Read the ‘Seen & Heard’ Research Report HERE.
These efforts reflect CKOHT’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful health care environment for all.
What’s Next
We will share findings from the Seen & Heard research with community partners and develop actionable strategies to address identified issues—continuing the work of building a healthcare system that truly reflects the diverse needs of Chatham-Kent.
Interested in learning more? Email info@ckoht.ca
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Shape CK's Cultural Future
Help Shape CK’s Cultural Future!Fill out a survey, add a cultural or creative space to the map, or host your own conversation!From festivals and historic sites to traditions and creative spaces, culture is everywhere in Chatham-Kent and that’s why we need YOUR input on the Cultural Plan Update!
The update will help reflect our evolving communities across CK and ensure culture thrives for years to come. It will help identify cultural assets, traditions, and opportunities locally. The Let’s Talk survey asks; What does culture mean to you? Where do you experience it? Share your thoughts and help shape the future of CK’s cultural landscape!Have your say and learn more about Chatham-Kent's Cultural Plan on Let's Talk or watch this Facebook video to learn more.
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Website: Free Food Resources in CK
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Employment and Social Services program has created a website with information for people who may need food assistance, including resources like:
- food banks
- little free pantries
- soup kitchens
- food voucher programs
- drop-in/outreach services.
Visit www.chatham-kent.ca/EmergencyFood or scan the QR code above to go to the website.
These services are here to support individuals and families in our community. Whether you're in immediate need or looking for ongoing assistance, there are options available to help you.
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Homelessness Response Toolkit
Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K) has designed a Homelessness Response Toolkit for local businesses, organizations, and area residents better understand and engage with local homelessness response efforts. The goal is to provide practical guidance, reduce stigma, and encourage compassionate and informed interactions with individuals experiencing homelessness.
The kit includes a quick reference postcard with information on who to call in specific situations, including phone numbers for outreach services, sharps clean-up, shelter, and other essential resources, ensuring that businesses and community members have immediate access to support when needed.
Digital copies can be accessed at www.reachoutck.com/resources.
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Report: Food Insecurity in Chatham-Kent
At the February 2025 Board of Health meeting, CK Public Health released a report about household food insecurity in Chatham-Kent. A few key findings included:
- 1 in 5 households in CK are food insecure
- Many people in CK don't have enough money to buy food
- The root cause of food insecurity is poverty
- Emergency food charity is not a long-term solution.
The report calls on community members and organizations to learn about food insecurity, talk to friends, family, and colleagues about the true causes of food insecurity, and advocate for income solutions.
Find the full report, the above infographic, and more information on the CK Public Health website.