CK Pride and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Relaunch “Our Door Is Open to Everyone” Window Sign Campaign

CK Pride, in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, is proud to announce the relaunch of the Our Door is Open to Everyone campaign, a visible community initiative that affirms inclusion, safety, and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and visitors across Chatham-Kent.

Originally launched with cardboard signage, the campaign has been refreshed in 2026 with durable window clings and stickers that reflect CK Pride’s updated name and new logo, making it easier for businesses, organizations, and public spaces to visibly demonstrate their commitment to welcoming and affirming environments.

The window clings were designed by Joel Emery and produced locally by CutiePatootieStudios, supporting community-based creatives while ensuring high-quality, long-lasting materials suitable for storefronts, offices, and public-facing spaces. This project is supported by Council Ward Funding, through a partnership between the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Hydro One.

The Our Door Is Open to Everyone window clings signal that a space is one where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions are respected and supported. Participating locations are encouraged to reflect this commitment not only through signage, but through everyday practices rooted in dignity, equity, and inclusion.

“Visibility matters,” say the Board of Directors at CK Pride. “In a community as diverse and geographically large as Chatham-Kent, these window clings offer a simple but meaningful way to signal safety, allyship, and care. For many people, especially youth, newcomers, and those navigating rural isolation, seeing that sign can make the difference between entering a space or walking away.”

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent continues to support the campaign as part of its broader commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion, and community safety. The relaunch aligns with ongoing municipal efforts to foster welcoming public spaces and strengthen trust across communities.

Window clings and stickers will be available to local businesses, community organizations, and municipal spaces. Participation in the campaign is voluntary, and CK Pride encourages participants to engage with the campaign thoughtfully and authentically.

Organizations interested in displaying an Our Door Is Open to Everyone window cling can contact info@ckpride.com, or pick one up from Bill's Place, Community Space, 48 Centre St. during drop-in hours. They will also be distributed at Municipal Centers and CK Public Library branches.

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!

🚩 January 30, 12:00 PM – Black History Month Flag Raising

🎥 February 4, 7:00 PM – Movie Night: Harriet

📚 February 7, 10:30 AM – Celebrate Black History Month

🎥 February 11, 7:00 PM – Movie Night: 42: The Jackie Robinson Story

🎨 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)

🧵 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

🎥 February 18, 7:00 PM – Movie Night: The Princess and The Frog

🎥 February 24, 7:00 PM – Movie Night: Selma

📖 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

Ramadan is here!

Observed during the 9^th month of the Islamic lunar calendar and dependent on sightings of the Moon, Ramadan is expected to be honoured this year from February 17^th – March 19^th.

During Ramadan, Muslims heighten their spiritual commitment and practice self-discipline. It is considered a time for physical and spiritual cleansing. Although there is diversity in the way people honour the month, during Ramadan, people may fast during daylight hours, commit to acts of charity and engage in increased periods of reflection and prayer.

For Muslims, Ramadan also commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book to the Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him), God's Messenger.

The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, a festival of gratitude, forgiveness and connection with family. This significant holiday is celebrated over several days with prayer, charity, social gatherings and gift exchanges.

Ramadan Mubarak to everyone honouring this blessed month!

Learn More:

Learn about how to be supportive of people honouring Ramadan in the workplace through our tip sheet created in partnership with the Chatham Islamic Centre.

Find information about local ethno-cultural community groups and places of worship on the Living CK website.

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.

Friday, February 27, 2026, 8:30 - 4:30.

Reconcili-Action Conference: Continuing the Journey

Portuguese Club, Leamington, 217 Talbot Street West, Leamington, Ontario

Breakfast, beverages, and lunch provided.

Conference fee of $100 per person.

Register via Survey Monkey

This event will be an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Indigenous issues, connect with community members, and engage in meaningful dialogue about how we can collectively address these challenges. Whether you are a member of the Caldwell First Nation, an ally, or someone who wishes to learn more, your presence and participation are valued. Speakers will include Dr. Vanessa Ambtman-Smith, James Vukelich, Sara Williams, and more.

For more information, please email Carrie Ann cultural.dev@caldwellfirstnation.ca or visit the Caldwell First Nation website.

Join local organizations and community for an event in honour of International Women's Day and some of the amazing Women in our community!

Open to everyone!

Sunday, March 8 (International Women's Day)

11:00 AM Women's Rights March, Civic Centre to Kiwanis Theatre

Bring your signs and noise makers.

12:00 PM Screening of This Women's Work, Kiwanis Theatre

The film shares the stories of many women and women-led organizations that contribute to the community. A celebration of the often unseen and under-appreciated work Women so often do.

Reception to follow with light snacks.

Admission is free. Suggested donation of a menstrual product.

Screening supported by Tek Savvy. Other sponsors/partners: SHE Leads, Chatham-Kent Women's Centre, Chatham-Kent Victim's Services, Sisters Strain, Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent.

Come celebrate the Women in your life and in our community!

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is starting to post various summer student positions for the Summer of 2026. Positions will continue to be posted over the next couple of months.

Find the postings on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent website.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees in a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the diverse community we serve. Learn more about the Municipality as an employer and our hiring processes on our website.

Should you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources & Organizational Development (HROD) at 519-360-1998. Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used strictly for the purpose of candidate selection.

Creating Cultural Safety within the Low German-speaking Community

Friday, April 24, 2026, 9:30 - 11:30 AM

Virtual Event

$45 registration

Explore the concept of creating cultural safety within Low German-Speaking Mennonite communities focusing on strategies to build respectful and inclusive spaces where individuals can express their identities and experiences without fear of discrimination. The webinar will delve into the unique cultural dynamics of these communities, highlighting the importance of understanding historical contexts, navigating language barriers and addressing cultural sensitivities. The session will offer practical guidance on fostering open dialogue, promoting empathy and implementing policies that support both cultural preservation and the safety of marginalized voices within these communities.

Facilitate by Perter Dyck through the Mennonite Central Committee.

Learn more or register: Creating Cultural Safety: A Webinar for Service Providers | Mennonite Central Committee

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