Chatham-Kent's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Strategy

The next municipal election in Chatham-Kent is October 26, 2026. Below are resources for people considering running for Council.

Chatham-Kent Election Information

General Election information: Chatham-Kent | 2026 Municipal Election

Candidate Information: Candidate Information

Upcoming Information Workshops

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of FREE workshops for people who are thinking about running for municipal Council in 2026. The sessions will provide useful insights and strategies. Some workshops are specifically for people in equity-deserving communities.

• Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities series— Has a stream for currently elected officials and another for first-time candidates.
• Everything You Need to Know as an Underrepresented Candidate
• Information Session for Youth Considering Running
• Information Session for Urban Indigenous People Considering Running

Additional Resources

Learn about other ways to get involved in municipal government on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent website

Learn how to get involved in 2026 municipal elections from Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

Learn about the general process of running for local Council from Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

Find additional resources and organizations that support equity-deserving communities to run for municipal office on the Association of Municipalities of Ontario website.

Share your feedback on the Draft "Renovictions" By-law in Chatham-Kent!

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has drafted a Rental Renovation License By-Law and is asking for public feedback.

The draft License By-Law has been prepared that has 3 possible options for Council to consider. Members of the public are invited to review the draft by-law, proposed options, and provide input two ways:

• A survey open until May 20^th
• A public meeting May 13^th at 6:00 PM at the Cultural Centre.

Learn more on Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent.

The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Chatham-Kent Council are calling for nominations for this year’s annual Accessibility Advisory Committee Awards.

To fill out a nomination form, please go to www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/accessibility-awards and when completed, please hit “SUBMIT”. If you require a paper copy of the Nomination Form to fill out, please reach out to your local Library or Municipal Centre and they will provide a paper copy to you.

Forms can also be submitted to any current member of the AAC or by emailing ckaac@chatham-kent.ca or CK311@chatham-kent.ca

Deadline for receipt of nomination forms is Friday, May 15, 2026.

Members of the community are invited to nominate a business or an individual they feel should be recognized in one of the following three categories:

Dr. Veronica Vaughn Accessible Business Award

Is presented to a business that stands out as providing an accessible facility and/or accessible customer service.

Sheila Lindsey Powers Accessibility Advocate Award

Is 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

Is presented to an individual who stands out as a person who perseveres beyond their limitations to participate in community life.

The 2026 Accessibility Awards will be presented during the June 8^th Council Meeting.

‍The Thames Art Gallery invites the community to submit work for exhibition as part of the Community Arts Initiative: Queer Portraits.

The call for entry will open April 27th at 9:00 am and close May 29th at 4:00 pm.

Learn more on the Thames Art Gallery website.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is partnering with Trans Wellness Ontario to offer two webinars to support organizations with knowledge, skills, and resources to deliver supportive, gender-affirming services to their clients.

These workshops are intended to support organizations to:

• Meet legal and human rights obligations
• Improve equitable access to services
• Enhance community health and well‑being
• Reflect the real diversity of the local population
• Build public trust and inclusive spaces

Ultimately, this education supports organizations to provide services where everyone can access services safely, with dignity and respect.

Wednesday May 13, 12:00 - 1:00 PM, Embracing Diverse Identities: Respecting the SOGIESC of Everyone

This foundational workshop will cover a wide range of topics related but not limited to:
- Important terminology and concepts related to SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and sex characteristics)
- Inclusive language and pronouns
- Being an effective ally and advocate, and addressing misinformation

Register through the QR Code on the poster or directly via Zoom.

Wednesday May 20, 12:00 - 1:00 PM, Embracing Diverse Identities: Inclusive Practice Considerations

This workshop builds on the first and will cover a wide range of topics related but not limited to:

- Review of important terminology and concepts related to SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and sex characteristics)

- Review of inclusive language and pronouns

- Affirming representation and practice considerations

- Reflection on the critical and urgent situation

- Ways to engage and support

Register through the QR Code on the poster or directly via Zoom.

Questions or Learn More:

If you have any questions about the webinars or want to learn more about Trans Wellness Ontario's education and consultation services please reach out to education@transwellness.ca

On May 16th and 17th, 2026 Walpole Island First Nation will host their 32nd annual Spring Pow Wow in Bkejwanong Territory.

Walpole Island Sports Complex Fairgrounds 770 Tecumseh Road. Inside arena if inclement weather forecasted.

Free to attend. All are welcome.

Grand entries Saturday at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM and Sunday at 12:00 PM.

Park at mall, arena, side of road.

Limited bleachers on-site. Bring camping chairs, Interac or e-transfer for vendors. ATM also on-site.

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.

Ambulance and police are present.

Don’t bring alcohol or drugs.

Have fun!

Help us end period poverty in Chatham-Kent!

Drop-Off & Community Social:

Thursday, May 28, 4:00 - 7:00 PM, Match Eatery & Public House, 615 Richmond Street, Chatham.

You’re invited to a social celebration in support of Period Promise, bringing our community together as United Way collects essential menstrual hygiene products supporting neighbours in need across Chatham-Kent.

Nobody should have to choose between feeding their family and affording basic hygiene products. Period poverty affects 1 in 6 Canadians who menstruate, rising to 1 in 4 in households earning under $40,000.

The Mission: Collecting pads, tampons, and other period hygiene products.

The Event: Drop-off donations, enjoy complimentary appetizers, door prizes & more! Every donation of period products brings us one step closer to ending period poverty in our community.

Show your support and help end period poverty.

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.

Scroll down to learn about local events and resources.

Events:

Contact us to share your own event DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca

Saturday, June 20, 1:30 - 3:30 PM - Indigenous History in Canada

Presentation by Tesa Fiddler, Kitchinuhmaykoosib Inninuwug & Onigaming First Nation and Sharon Giroux, M'Chigeeng First Nation.

Hosted by the Chatham Catholic Family of Parishes and the St. Clair Catholic District School Board.

Learn more or register online. Or call 519-352-8530.

Month-Long

Visit Chatham-Kent Public Library on Facebook or Instagram for reading recommendations with Indigenous authors and illustrators.

Resources:

Learn about local First Nations, important terminology, cultural identities, regional and cultural differences, local Treaties and historical relationships, and important principles and values through the resource A Road to Understanding Indigenous Culture.

Developed through collaboration with local Indigenous Knowledge Holders with the goal of fostering better understanding and connection with each other.

Find the electronic resource on the Living CK website. Hard copies of the resource are available at CK Public Library branches.

Learn about National Indigenous History Month, National Indigenous Peoples Day, the images in the banner above and find resources to continue learning on the government of Canada's website.

June 9, 2026, 12:05 pm – 1:15 pm

Online webinar via Zoom

Registration: Eventbrite

Join us for Religious Literacy and the Welcoming Workplace, a webinar on building inclusive, respectful, and culturally aware work environments. Learn why religious literacy matters, how it supports belonging and collaboration and how it strengthens relationships with colleagues and customers. Participants will leave with practical tools for navigating respectful conversations, avoiding microaggressions, and fostering workplaces where everyone feels valued.

The webinar is hosted by Encounter World Religions, in partnership with the Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Contact us for a digital version of a flyer to print and hang in your workplace.