Chatham-Kent's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Strategy
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent
This Website shares information about the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Strategy.
- Visit the Frequently Asked Question section to learn how to use this site.
- Unsure of what something means? Visit the Glossary section to learn more.
- Sign up for updates in the Sign Up for Notifications section.
- Read local DEIJ related news, events, information from the DEIJ News Section.
DEIJ Calendar
Click on the image below to view an electronic calendar of important days in October 2024. Click on the text to open a link to learn more.
Use this calendar to learn about days that are important to communities in Chatham-Kent. Outside of the days listed on the calendar, people may have regular prayer, reflection, or fasting practices.
Information about community events honouring upcoming days of significance can be found in the DEIJ News section of this website.
Please contact us if there are errors or days missing.
If you are printing the calendar, please use Legal size paper.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent
This Website shares information about the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Strategy.
- Visit the Frequently Asked Question section to learn how to use this site.
- Unsure of what something means? Visit the Glossary section to learn more.
- Sign up for updates in the Sign Up for Notifications section.
- Read local DEIJ related news, events, information from the DEIJ News Section.
DEIJ Calendar
Click on the image below to view an electronic calendar of important days in October 2024. Click on the text to open a link to learn more.
Use this calendar to learn about days that are important to communities in Chatham-Kent. Outside of the days listed on the calendar, people may have regular prayer, reflection, or fasting practices.
Information about community events honouring upcoming days of significance can be found in the DEIJ News section of this website.
Please contact us if there are errors or days missing.
If you are printing the calendar, please use Legal size paper.
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DEIJ Quiz- September Days of Observance
Test your knowledge!
The DEIJ team has created a monthly quiz to raise awareness about some of the days of observance happening this month. Test your knowledge and learn about some of the important days in September here or scan the QR Code below.
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August 31 - International Overdose Awareness Day
Each year on August 31st, individuals, families, organizations, and communities across Canada and around the world observe International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). This day sheds light on the causes of drug poisonings, including drug policies, the toxic unregulated drug supply, and other intersecting health and social inequities like racism, capitalism, colonialism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, xenophobia, and stigma.
While substance use affects people from all walks of life, because of the systemic forms of oppression mentioned above, the impacts of the drug poisoning epidemic are experienced disproportionately by certain groups, including Black and Indigenous communities, people who are unhoused, people who are 2SLGBTQ+, women, youth, and rural and remote communities.
Drug Poisonings in Canada & Chatham-Kent
Today, in Canada, 22 people will die due to toxic drug poisoning.
From 2016 to 2021, the rates of opioid-related Emergency Department (ED) visits and opioid poisoning deaths experienced in Chatham-Kent have increased more than 400%. The pandemic years have brought about the largest spike in ED visits and death rates, which have more than doubled since 2019. In the first quarter of 2022, there have already been 9 opioid-related deaths in Chatham-Kent, putting CK’s rate above the provincial average and among the highest across Ontario.
“These are not just numbers; these are people. They are parents, siblings, children, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, friends, colleagues, and neighbours. And their tragic deaths, and the pain experienced by their families and friends, are preventable.” - Scott Roose, Director, Chatham-Kent Drug Awareness Council
These rates don’t capture the true picture of drug poisonings in our community and the weight carried by those living through this crisis. Many people do not seek care after experiencing a poisoning for various reasons, including fear of stigma or criminalization. The CK Drug Awareness Council (CKDAC) and many community partners are working to change this narrative for our community.
International Overdose Awareness Day Events in Chatham-Kent
It is more important than ever to come together as a community to remember those who have died, honour the grief of family and friends left behind, and take action to end the drug poisoning epidemic.
Join the CKDAC on August 31st anytime from 3:00-8:00pm at Hope Haven in Chatham or James St. Drop-In Centre in Wallaceburg to share memories, stories, support, and resources. In the spirit of remembrance and coming together, the events will also include food and refreshments, local musical talent, art therapy activities, naloxone training and substance use education.
To honour the day, wear a purple shirt or ribbon.
Ending Drug Poisonings
While International Overdose Awareness Day is an important day to remember and take action, there are things we can all do every day to reduce stigma for people who use drugs and end drug poisonings. Here is what you can do to help:
A Time to Remember:
- Paint a stone purple and write a message to someone who uses drugs to help them know they are loved and not alone. Give the stone to someone you love or place it in a safe public space that is meaningful to you for others to see
- Share stories of why you love someone who is impacted by the drug poisoning epidemic to honour their journey and help reduce stigma
- Offer space and a listening ear to someone who has been affected by the drug poisoning epidemic
- Post on the International Overdose Awareness Day Memoriam Wall
- Conversations about substance use can be difficult. Reach out to someone you trust or call the Mental Health First Response Line 1-866-299-7447
- Know that you are not alone and it’s okay to feel what you are feeling
A Time to Act:
- Learn how to respond to a toxic drug poisoning, carry naloxone, and encourage others to get training
- Learn about how drug policies contribute to drug poisonings from the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
- Use person first language when talking about substance use
- Challenge stigmatizing attitudes and behaviours. Pause and reflect on why you think or feel a certain way. Try to stay curious and open to learning and adopting more compassionate, person-centered views and approaches
- Complete the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction Overcoming Stigma: Online Learning modules
- Gain a richer understanding of harm reduction through CATIE’s Harm Reduction Fundamentals toolkit for service providers
- Attend a CKDAC general membership meeting to learn about work being done in our community to increase awareness, safety, and compassion around substance use
- Follow @CKDAC on Facebook and Instagram or go to www.ckdac.ca for a list of local supports for people who use substances and the people around them
We can all take action, everyday, to end the drug poisoning epidemic. Visit www.ckdac.ca for more information.
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Pride Week 2022: Flag Raising Ceremony...Did you know the meaning behind the Pride Flag?
Flag Raising Ceremony
Yesterday afternoon The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice team with Corporate Communication had the honour of participating in a flag raising ceremony to mark the beginning of Pride 2022!
"...More than 75 people turned out at the Civic Centre today for a flag-raising ceremony to mark the beginning of Pride Week 2022. Marianne Willson of CKPride called Chatham-Kent’s recognition of the annual event “spectacular” noting that for the first time the Pride Flag will fly at municipal service centres across the community. Acting Mayor Counc. Jamie McGrail said she’s proud the community is becoming more inclusive and noted that the week’s events “are for everybody.” Included among the week’s events are a display at the Chatham-Kent Library, a barbeque, trivia night and pub night. The week concludes with a parade, a festival at Tecumseh Park and a church service at St. Andrews United Church. Throughout the week, Willson said people are encouraged to share pictures and videos in support of CK Pride through social media. Check out the municipal social media accounts for images and for details on events visit https://www.facebook.com/PrideCK/"
-Corporate Initiatives, The Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Did you know the meaning behind the Pride Flag?
The Pride flag is more than just a rainbow of colours, it was designed in 1978 as a “symbol of hope” and liberation. Each colour on the traditional Pride flag has a meaning: red is life, orange is healing, yellow is sunlight, green is nature, blue is serenity and purple is spirit. The flag has been updated several times through the years to better reflect the diversity within 2SLGBTQ+ communities and groups who have historically faced oppression and discrimination in Pride movements. In 2018 V shapes stripes were added – blue, pink and white to incorporate trans communities and brown and black to include BIPOC communities. In 2021, a purple ring on a yellow background was added to reflect intersex communities. Visit a Municipal service center to see the Pride flags hanging in person!
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Pride Week 2022
This week is Pride Week in Chatham-Kent!
We are celebrating the diverse Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer or Questioning (2SLGBTQ+) people and communities in Chatham-Kent!
We will be celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ communities with the 1st Municipality of CK Pride Parade Entry on Saturday, August, 20th! Follow CK Pride to learn more about all the activities taking place this week.
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Adult Language and Learning 2022 Newcomer Picnic
On SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2022 AT 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Kingston Park, Adult Language and Learning will be hosting a Newcomer Picnic. Everyone is welcomed, hope to see you there! For more information, call: 519-354-7424.
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Operations Black Vote Canada Bootcamp 2022
Operation Black Vote Canada’s Bootcamp 2022 is hosting a two day basic training to support Black community members interested in running or participating in municipal election campaigns.
Sessions will focus on:
Day 1:
- Setting up Campaign
- Canvassing
- Communications
Day 2:
- Fundraising
- Election Day
To register, please email events@obvc.ca before August 15th.
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No. 2 Construction Battalion
Have you heard of the No. 2 Construction Battalion?
Thanks to the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, and Ontario Heritage Trust, you can see a photo of the group and the names of local Black WWI Veterans in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Civic Center Lobby.
On July 9th, 2022, the Canadian Minister of National Defence will offer a formal apology to relatives and descendants of members of the Battalion for the racism and discrimination endured by members before, during, and after their service to Canada. To watch the event live, visit: www.no2-cef.ca
The No. 2 Construction Battalion was formed in WWI and served from 1916-1920. It was the largest Black military unit in Canadian history. Although the headquarters for the Battalion were in Nova Scotia, there was a detachment that operated in Windsor and many local Black men were a part of the Battalion.
As they tried t o volunteer for the Canadian militia, many Black men were turned away due to prevailing anti-Black racism. Despite the racism they experienced, the men continued to advocate for their participation in War efforts.
In 1916, the Department of Defence and Militia established a segregated, Black labour Battalion that supported construction and labour needs related to the War. In 1917, the Battalion sailed to England with 595 men, most of whom went on to build and maintain water systems, roads, and railroads and take part in logging for lumber used in trenches, observation posts, bridges, walkways, and even aircrafts.
Despite the anti-Black racism they experienced, the men of the No. 2 Construction Battalion made significant contributions to the War effort. But, these efforts went unrecognized for a long time.
In 1992, the Government of Canada recognized the formation of the No. 2 Construction Battalion as a national historic event and raised a granite monument commemorating the Battalion in Nova Scotia. Canada post issued a commemorative stamp depicting the Battalion in 2016. This weekend, the Ministry of Defence will issue a formal apology to relatives and descendants of members of the No. 2 Battalion for the racism and discrimination they endured.
Stop in at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Civic Center and see the picture of the No. 2 Battalion and the names of Black WWI Veterans from Chatham-Kent!
For more information and local Black History, visit the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, or Ontario Heritage Trust's Historic Site dedicated to Josiah Henson (new name coming soon!).
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CK Tourism- Many Faces of Tourism DEI Photoshoot
CK Tourism is looking for community models for the next Many Faces of Tourism Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Photo Shoot.
The Monday, July 25 shoot is geared towards accessibility and mobility, creating images that show people with different mobility abilities enjoying the activities and amenities that CK has to offer.
Community models (looking for families if possible) don’t need any prior modeling experience, just a willingness to come out and have some fun in front of the camera (after signing a photo release form).
Models will be compensated for their time at the end of the photo shoot and will have access to some of the finished images for their own use.
Please see above for some images from CK Tourism's previous Many Faces of Tourism DEI photo shoots to give you an example of the work they are trying to do.
If you, a client, or someone you know, are interested in participating, please contact Andrea McCulligh directly - 226.312.2025 ext. 4221 -
Report to Council- Update #2
A Report to Council, for the DEIJ Strategy went to council to provide updates! Click the link below to access the Report To Council-Update #2.
Link: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Strategy Update #2 (escribemeetings.com)
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CK Asian Cultural Association Newcomer Event 2022
Check out this flyer below for the Newcomer's Event 2022.
Click the following link to register for this event: CKACA NEWCOMERS EVENT 2022 -RSVP (google.com)
Hope to see you there!
Important Note
Glossary
DEIJ Resources
- Chatham-Kent HR Strategies 2023-2027 (DEIJ Strategy document) (9.64 MB) (pdf)
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Reports to Council
- February 7 2022: Report to Council #1
- June 20 2022: Report to Council #2
- September 25 2022: Report to Council #3
- December 12 2022: Report to Council #4
- March 27 2023: Report to Council #5 (272 KB) (pdf)
- June 26 2023: Report to Council Update #6
- June 26 2023: Report to Council Update # 6 Appendix
- November 6 2023: Report to Council Update # 7
- Days of Observance
- Resources in Chatham-Kent
- Data about our Community
Who's Listening
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Coordinator, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Phone 519-360-1998 Email rebeccah@chatham-kent.ca -
Chief Human Resource Officer & General Manager, Corporate Services
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Phone 519-360-1998 Email cathyh@chatham-kent.ca
Timelines
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Hire DEI Coordinator & Intern
Chatham-Kent's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Strategy has finished this stageFall 2021
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Pre-Planning
Chatham-Kent's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Strategy has finished this stageFall 2021 - Winter 2022
Review & summarize best practices & resources for developing DEIJ Strategy
Create framework for developing DEIJ Strategy
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Assessment
Chatham-Kent's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Strategy has finished this stageWinter - Summer 2022
Gathering information to inform Strategy development
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Share assessment findings
Chatham-Kent's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Strategy has finished this stageFall 2022
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Create the DEIJ Strategy
Chatham-Kent's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Strategy has finished this stageWinter 2022-Winter 2023
Identify goals & how we'll achieve them
Develop implementation & evaluation plans
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Share the Draft DEIJ Strategy
Chatham-Kent's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Strategy has finished this stageWinter 2023
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Begin to implement & monitor progress
Chatham-Kent's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Strategy is currently at this stageSpring 2023