Collège Boréal is providing free, online English classes with a live instructor for people who are Migrant Workers in Chatham-Kent. Reach out to Azuani Cano, 519-384-9393, acano@dol.ca or Jiohanka Perez, 519-397-1677, jiohanka.perez@collegeboreal.ca for more information and to register.

Don't forget to subscribe to the CK Local Immigration Partnership newsletter for more updates like these!

The Chatham Alzheimer Society is rolling out a new initiative throughout Chatham-Kent. The program is called “dementia friendly communities” and the goal of the program is to give Chatham Kent businesses the skills and knowledge to better serve our dementia community. After a 1-hour education session with our education manager, your business can become certified as a dementia friendly supporter. With this designation you will receive a special decal for your display and advertising on the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent’s website and socials. You can learn more about the program here: Dementia Friendly Communities Ontario | Alzheimer Society of Ontario

To receive the designation, 75% of frontline staff must complete either the in person education course (1 hour) or an online e-module course (1 hour) (if you cannot get all employees to attend the in-person course).

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent directly at 519-352-1043 ext. 221 or email info@justasck.ca

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

April is Sikh Heritage Month!

This month, we celebrate Sikh culture and heritage and honour the important contributions of Sikh community members to our social, economic, political and cultural lives.

Sikhism is one of the world’s youngest religions but is the fifth largest religion in the world. The first wave of settlers who were Sikh arrived in Canada in the early 1900s. Today, Canada has the second largest diaspora of people who are Sikh in the World!

Sikh Heritage Month was first established in Ontario in 2013 and then in Canada in 2019. April was chosen because it is the time that Sikh people observe Vaisakhi, which commemorates the creation of the Khalsa and Sikh articles of faith. Vaisakhi (sometimes spelt Baisakhi) may also be called Khalsa Sanja Diwas.

Happy Vaisakhi to community members honouring this important time in Chatham-Kent!

Learn More:

Find information about local ethno-cultural communities on the Living CK website.

Learn about the history of Sikhs in Canada from:

Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada

Sikh Research Institute

Early Concepts (resources for educators)

Sikh National Archives of Canada

Learn about Sikhism and other religions in the workplace from Encounter World Religions.

Sikhism in Canada from Wikipedia

Peel Art Gallery Museum + Archives (PAMA)

Thank you to members of the Sikh Cultural Society Chatham-Kent for reviewing the contents of this post.

A picture of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, correspondence between Arthur Alexander and the Ministry of Militia & Defence, and the names of Black WWI Veterans from Chatham-Kent is currently on display in the Civic Center lobby.

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 9^th, 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 tArthur Alexander (pictured) wrote a letter to the Minister of Militia & Defence in 1914 to ask why Black men were not able to enlist in the Canadian militia.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!).