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June: National Indigenous History Month & National Indigenous Peoples Day
June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada.
This is a time to recognize the rich histories, heritage, cultures, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. We honour the stories, achievements, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues today.
This month and day are opportunities to learn about the cultural diversity of Indigenous communities and promotes understanding across all communities.
Check back soon for information about local events.
Learn more about National Indigenous History Month, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and about the images in the banner above from the government of Canada.
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June 17 2025: GINDAASDAA Circle
Everyone is welcome.
GINDAASDAA (Ghin-daahs-sdaah): Means looking at something together and learning from it in Ojibwe.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 6:30 - 8:00
495 King Street West or online
The Gindaasdaa Circile is a book club focusing on Indigenous authors who've written about Indigenous Knowledge, Reconciliation, and Worldviews. There is a recommended reading list that is available. One book will be chosen for everyone to read, review and to discuss at the bi-monthly Gindaasdaa Circle meetings.
June's book is Reconciling History: A Story of Canada. By Jody Wilson-Raybould & Roshan Danesh.
RSVP Naomi naomi@skanaflc.com
Note: You do not have to have finished the books to participate. This is an opportunity to come together and learn.
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May 17-18 2025 Walpole Island First Nation Spring Pow Wow
On May 17th and 18th, 2025 Walpole Island First Nation will host their 31st Spring Pow Wow in Bkejwanong Territory.
Free to attend. All are welcome.
Learn more about the Pow Wow on their Facebook Page.
Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:
A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows from Indigenous Corporate Training.
Indigenous Pow Wow Protocols from Indigenous Corporate Training
Indigenous Pow Wow Dances from Indigenous Corporate Training
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 partake 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.
Sometimes specials can include placing a blanket on the ground for generous donations by visitors.
Security is provided for in parking lot areas.
Ambulance and police are present.
Don’t bring alcohol or drugs.
Have fun!
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May 13 2025: Event for Newcomers to CK
What’s Brewing CK is a casual, community-focused gathering where local partners, newcomers and residents connect over coffee and conversation.Tuesday May 13th, 2025, 6:00- 7:30pmCK Public Library - Wallaceburg Branch (209 James St. Wallaceburg, ON N8A 2N4)This is a great opportunity to share ideas, build connections and stay up to date on what’s happening in Chatham-Kent. Feel free to bring in a colleague or friend - everyone is welcome!Registration not required.Contact cklip@chatham-kent.ca for inquiries.Offered in partnership by Adult Language and Learning, Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership, Living CK, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, CK Public Library, Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, Thamesview Family Health Team, United Way Chatham-Kent Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent.
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Nominations for Accessibility Awards Open Until April 30 2025
Chatham-Kent Accessibility Advisory Commitee Awards Call for Nominations 2025
The Accessibility Advisory Commitee (AAC), the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and Chatham-Kent Council are calling for nominations for this year's annual Accessibility Advisory Committee Awards.
Members of the community are invited to nominate a business or individual they feel should be recognized in one of three categories outlined below.
To fill out a nomination form, complete the form on Let's Talk Chatham-Kent. When completed, hit 'SUBMIT'. Forms can also be submitted to any member of the AAC, by emailing CKinfo@chatham-kent.ca or ck311@chatham-kent.ca, or by dropping them at the Customer Service Desk and 315 King Street West, Chatham.
Deadline for submission is Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Awards will be presented at the June 9, 2025 Council meeting.
Categories:
Dr. Veronica Vaughn Accessible Business Award
Presented to a business that stands out as providing an accessible facility and/or accessible customer service.
Sheila Lindsey Powers Accessibility Advocate Award
Presented to an individual in this community who stands out as an advocate for the inclusion of people of all abilities.
Sid Ebare Perseverance Award
Presented to an individual who stands out as a person who perseveres beyond their limitations to participate in community life.
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Respectful Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
Learning about, understanding, and appreciating cultures different from our own is an important part of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. As we approach Cinco de Mayo, an important day in Mexican history, it's important to ensure any events acknowledging the day are rooted in cultural appreciation rather than cultural appropriation.
Click on the image above to open a document with suggestions about how to respectfully honour CInco de Mayo.
Have feedback or other suggestions to add? Please contact us DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca
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May 2025: Events in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People
May 5th is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People (MMIWG2S), also known as Red Dress Day. In honour of this day, several events will be held in Chatham-Kent. Scroll down to learn about the day and events.All events listed are open to everyone.
Please contact us DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca if you would like to add other events.
Note: it is appropriate to wear red pins, ties, coats, shirts, to show support, but not to wear a red dress. Read more about the purpose of the red dress below.
About The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People
Also called Red Dress Day, the day honours and brings awareness to the disproportionate violence that Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people face in Canada.
The red dress was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project, in which she hung empty, red dresses to represent the missing and murdered women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people found that, in Canada:
- Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit people are 12x more likely to go missing or be murdered than all other women, and 16x more likely than Caucasian women.
- In the last 30 years, more than 4000 Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit people have gone missing or been murdered. That’s about 133 a year or 3 a week.
- Because of persistent forms of oppression (racism, colonialism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism), complaints about missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and Women, are less likely to be taken seriously or followed up.
The National Inquiry led to 231 Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries, and all Canadians.
Local Events
Tuesday, April 22nd, 6:30PM Red Dress Pin Making
Turns & Tales, 213 King Street West, Chatham
$5 per person. All proceeds donated.
Sign up in advance online or by calling 519-354-2233
Sunday, May 4th, 4:00 - 5:00PM
Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham
Co-sponsored by: Ska:Na Family Learning Centre; 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre; Maawnjidimi Indigenous Network Social Planning and Action Network Member Table; and Women's Equity Business.
The vigil will have smudge, prayer, hand drums, and guest speakers.
Everyone is welcome.
Supports
This day may be triggering for some people. Help is available.
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people toll-free support phone line (24/7) 1-844-413-6649
Hope for Wellness Help Line (24/7) 1-855-242-3310
Manitoba MMIWG2S Self-Help Resources
Chatham-Kent Victim's Services
Learn More
Read the final report and Calls for Justice from the MMIWG2S+ National Inquiry on the National Inquiry website
Visit the National Family and Survivors Circle website
Visit the Amnesty International No More Stolen Sisters website
Find book, video and podcast recommendations on Simon Fraser University’s website
Listen to the local Ode'mini Giizis podcast on Spotify or Youtube
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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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New 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.