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.

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

All events are open to everyone.

Friday, June 19, 5:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King St. W., Chatham (Bleak House Lawn)

Join for a Sunrise Ceremony, light breakfast and networking, Opening, and Indigenous Craft Vendors Market & CK Partner Information Booths. Free strawberries, ice cream, and teachings.

Supported by Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, Maawnjidimi Indigenous Network, Jennen Strawberry Farm, Women's Equity Business, The Bleak House, and 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Centre.

Saturday, June 20, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Indigenous History in Canada

Spririt and LIfe Centre, 184 Welling St. W, Chatham

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.

Free Will offering accepted.

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

Month-Long

Chatham-Kent Public Library Programming

June Movies

Every Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 PM. In recognition of National Indigenous History Month CK Public Library will showcase powerful storytelling brought to life by Indigenous Directors, Producers, and Actors. Registration not required. A $2.00 donation is suggested at the door. Learn more on the CK Public Library website.

Recommended Reads

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.

Note: If you’d like to deepen your understanding of 2SLGBTQIA+ terminology and communities, visit the CK Pride website for learning resources. CK Pride
is a not-for-profit volunteer community organization that aims to be collaborative and responsive in celebrating and supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ lives in Chatham-Kent throughout the year!

June kicks off Pride Season, when we celebrate the diverse Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and additional identities (2SLGBTQIA+) communities in Chatham-Kent!

The History of Pride Celebrations

Many people are unaware that pride celebrations started as protests. In the U.S.A., in June 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club, in Greenwich Village, New York. The raid led to six days of riots and protests by residents, staff, and bar patrons, many of whom were racialized trans people. The riots, now known as the ‘Stonewall riots’ were a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States, and around the World. People often associate June with Pride month, which has roots in the Stonewall riots.

But, in Canada, the first large-scale protest for what we now call 2SLGBTQIA+ rights took place in August 1971.The 'We Demand Rally' was held at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, with a smaller rally in Vancouver. Demonstrators presented Parliament with a list of 10 demands to change laws discriminating against 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Two years, later, in August 1973, Pride Week events were held in several major cities across Canada. These included rallies for 2SLGTBQIA+ rights. This is why some communities in Canada (including Chatham--Kent) honour Pride in August instead of June.

Of course, throughout time and history there has been celebration of, and resistance among, what we now call 2SLGBTQIA+ people and communities. Learn more from the Canadian Museum of History.

Learn about Pride flags from the government of Canada.

How is Pride celebrated today?

There is a growing movement to use the term Pride season in recognition of the diverse history of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movements, and the various times and ways Pride is celebrated. Now, Pride gatherings are used to honour the work that has been done and to raise awareness about the work still needed to achieve respect, dignity, safety, and rights for all 2SLGBTQIA+ people. It is also a time when people who may at other times feel unsafe or marginalized because of their identities have a short window of time and place to honour their authentic selves. Events include parades, rallies, workshops, concerts as well as memorials and commemorations for community members, family, and friends who lost someone due to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS.

How is Pride Honoured in Chatham-Kent?

In Chatham-Kent, Pride is celebrated in August, with a week of events organized by CK Pride.

Learn about local Pride events on the CK Pride website. Learn about CK Pride's history on the CK Pride website.

Events are open to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and aspiring allies - anyone who supports 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights.

How Can I Demonstrate Allyship to 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities?

You can support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities all-year, not just during Pride Season! We all want to feel welcomed and supported. Some ideas include:

• Learn about the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and histories, for example, through websites, books, podcasts, films, or attending local events
• Reflect on assumptions or biases you or others around you may have and challenge yourself to be more open
• Use inclusive language - avoid gendered language (i.e. partner instead of assuming boyfriend of girlfriend)
• Use appropriate pronouns and avoid assumptions about how people identify
• Respectfully intervene to offer a different opinion when you hear homophobic or transphobic comments
• Accompany friends or family members to a Pride event to show your support and celebrate the community
• Display rainbow or other 2SLGBTQIA+ flags or symbols in your home, office, or car
  • Note: Free 'Our Door is Open to Everyone' window clings are available at Bill's Place or CK Public Libraries
• Listen and be empathetic to 2SLGBTQIA+ community member's experiences if they share
• Support charities that support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities

None of us are perfect, be gentle with yourself along the way, and keep learning and trying!

To folks celebrating - we celebrate you throughout the year, but especially during Pride Season!

Join the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Accessibility Advisory Committee to honour National AccessAbility Week!

June 1, 2026, 12:00 PM, 315 King Street West, Chatham (Civic Centre)

National AccessAbility Week is May 31 to June 6, 2026 and celebrates the achievements of persons with disabilities in Canada. This year's theme is "Building a Strong, Accessible Canada," reminding us that we all benefit when everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.

This is also a time to recognize the contributions of individuals, organizations and workplaces that are breaking barriers and working together to build a more accessible and inclusive community for all.

Learn more about National AccessAbility Week from the government of Canada.

Learn about the Disability Pride flag from Canadian Association for Supported Employers.

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.

Indigenous History in Canada

Saturday, June 20, 1:30 - 3:30 PM

Spirit and Life Centre 184 Wellington Street West, Chatham.

Registration required online or call 519-352-8530.

Free will offering accepted.

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

Tesa and Sharon, educators and former presenters at the Unted Nations, will provide a brief historical overview of Indigenous people in Canada, highlighting key events and their ongoing impact on Indigenous communities. They will also explore the efforts of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA) in fostering inclusive, safe, and accepting educational environments for both staff and students.

Participants will gain insights into the association's initiatives, resources, and strategies aimed at promoting reconciliation and meaningful support for Indigenous perspectives within the education system.

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

Taste of Chatham-Kent (TOCK) is a multi-week and multi-event celebration of cultural diversity in Chatham-Kent happening June 27 to July 26, 2026.

TOCK brings together ethno‑cultural associations, First Nations, Métis, Inuit or other Indigenous organizations, cultural restaurants, businesses, and community groups to highlight their culture and heritage through events, programming, recreation, food, and storytelling initiatives.

Proudly founded and organized by the Taste of Chatham Kent Committee in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

Get Involved

• Organize a cultural event or activity within Chatham-Kent or a nearby First Nation (supportive grant funding may be available)
• Sponsor Taste of Chatham-Kent
• Participate in an event

Learn more at the Taste of Chatham-Kent website.

August 7 - 9, 2026

Caldwell First Nation Reserve, Mersea Road 1, Leamington

Mersea Road 1 (beside Caldwell Gas & Variety)

Everyone is welcome.

$10 admission fee. Seniors $5. Children 4-8 free.

Grand entries:

Friday August 7, 6:00 PM

Saturday August 8, 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM

Sunday August 10, 12:00 PM

No pets. Drug & alcohol free event. Bring a lawn chair. Security on-site 24 hours.

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/Emcee – they’ll explain what’s happening to help visitors.

Ask permission before taking pictures.

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.

Don’t bring alcohol or drugs.

Have fun!