The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is partnering with Whyte’s Pickles and a local Indigenous artist for the installation of a Truth and Reconciliation crosswalk in downtown Wallaceburg.

The crosswalk will be painted orange in recognition of the tragic history and ongoing legacy of Residential and Day Schools in Canada, it also includes feathers that were custom designed to represent the Seven Sacred Teachings, with the insignia “Every Child Matters”.

The Seven Sacred Teachings – also known as the Seven Grandfather Teachings – are guiding principles on living a good life based on First Nation lessons. They include wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth.

Similar crosswalks have been approved or completed in Timmins, Burnaby, Oakville, Kamloops, Edmonton and several other Canadian towns and cities.

The local artist is Nicholas Riley from Bkejwanong First Nation. He studied graphic design at Fanshawe college and is a graduate from Lambton College Business Marketing program. He designed the logo for the Sarnia Lambton Native Friendship Centre and has since designed logos for the Walpole community, Employment and Training, and Elder Abuse Awareness.

Nicholas’s latest work is featured on the cover of Bkejwanong Dbaajmowinaan, Stories of Where the Water Divides.

The Whyte’s management team stated that “we are honored to partner in this initiative with the Municipality of Chatham -Kent. We aim to uphold the values of the Seven Sacred Teachings and are deeply appreciative of our team and community members who are First Nation. It is with great pride that we participate in this commemoration and support the work of local artist Nicholas Riley.”

Rebecca Haskell-Thomas, Coordinator, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) for the Municipality says, “The orange crosswalk symbolizes our recognition of the harms that have been done. Incorporating the Seven Grandfather Teachings shows us a pathway for moving forward. True Reconciliation requires efforts from everyone in our community and the Municipality’s DEIJ team are proud to work with community members to learn and take action together’

For more information contact:

Amy Wilcox

Manager, Corporate Initiatives & Communications

Municipality of Chatham-Kent

519-360-1998 x 3055

amyw@chatham-kent.ca

In honour of The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, the Municipal Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice team has partnered with Economic Development/CK Small Business Centre, local Indigenous-led Organizations and Peoples to share the Seven Pledges of Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, based on Bob Joseph and Cynthia Joseph's book, Indigenous Relations: Insights, Tips, and Suggestions to Make Reconciliation a Reality.

Watch the video to learn more. Miigwech, thank you to everyone who came together to make this video.

There are many resources available to explore the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Tomorrow, September 30th, please consider attending the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event at 25 Eight Street in Chatham (beside the Ska:na Family Learning Centre) and take the Pledge of Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Visit the DEIJ website to learn about other local events and resources to deepen your learning and understanding of Truth and Reconciliation.

Thank you!

Rebecca and Amrit

September 30th, 2022 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, a day to reflect, lean in, and learn. Below, you'll find information to further your understanding and participate in a meaningful way. We’ve included some local events, municipal initiatives, learning opportunities and resources.

Please contact Rebecca-Haskell Thomas or Amrit Khaira with any questions, comments, or concerns.

What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

In 2021, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was officially recognized by the Government of Canada. This is a day to lean in, listen to, and learn about the ongoing impacts of the colonization of Turtle Island (known as North America today), including learning about and acknowledging the impacts of residential schools. It's also a day to learn about how we can create pathways towards reconciliation in our personal and professional lives. The process of reconciliation is one that has no end - it requires ongoing learning and action to understand the truths of what has happened, what continues to happen today, and to do better. Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation from the Government of Canada.

What is Orange Shirt Day?

The creator of Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis Webstad, was given an orange shirt on her first day of St. Joseph's Mission residential school in British Columbia. But upon arriving to school, she was were forced to remove her shirt and she never saw it again. For Phyllis, the shirt represented her experiences at residential schools and the neglect and harm children faced there. Today, Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day. This day is to reflect, learn, raise awareness on the inter-generational impacts residential schools have on individuals, families, and communities, and promote "Every Child Matters". On September 30, we encourage you to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools and the many children who never made it home. Learn more about Orange Shirt Day from the Orange Shirt Society.

Attend Local Events & Education Opportunities

Over the coming weeks, attend local events to honour and learn. We will update this page as additional information becomes available. Check back often.

Before Sept 30: Orange Shirt Pin Making Kits at CK Libraries (Municipal partnership event)

Led by Indigenous Peer Navigator and Come Together CK Community Shoppe. Support their efforts to ensure everyone in CK has an orange shirt pin. Pick up an orange shirt pin package from any CK Public Library location.

Visit CKPL’s website for Branch Information and Hours of Operation

Sept 26: Truth and Reconciliation Week Flag Raising (Municipal Event)

12noon

Civic Centre, Chatham

To honour and kick-off Truth and Reconciliation Week. Learn more about the Survivors' flag from the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Free, everyone is welcome.

Sept 29: Healing Walk & Gathering (Municipal partnership event)

10:30am-12:00pm

Begins outside Wallaceburg Library, ends at Civic Square Park

Partnership with Giyakiishchigewin, Walpole Island First Nation. Begins outside Wallaceburg Library at 10:30. Gathering at Civic Square Park. Wear orange in support of reconciliation efforts.

Free, everyone is welcome.

Volunteers needed. Contact Rebecca Haskell-Thomas.

A Day To Listen 2022: Amplifying Indigenous Lives

94.3 CKSY and 99.1 FM will be participating in a Day to Listen Radio Event on September 30th for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). Tune in on September 30th to learn and honour NDTR. You can also visit A Day to Listen for more information.

Sept 30: CK National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event

10:00am-2:00pm

25th Eighth Street, Chatham

Free, everyone is welcome!

Learn about what you can do as an individual and as a professional towards reconciliation.

#CKCalls2Action

Sept & Sept 30th: Chatham-Kent Public Library Events (Municipal Events)

1. Children's Display Promoting Indigenous Reads at Chatham-Kent Branch

Ages 0-12 years old.

Entire month of September.

2. Linda Lou from Bkejwanong First Nation Public Library, Orange Shirt Day Storytime

10:00am

Recommended for early readers

3. Read and learn about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Flyers, books, and reads by Indigenous authors and illustrators, and available story kits called Indigenous Reflections I and II.

Sept 30 & Oct 1: Town of Amherstburg: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events

September 30th, 6:00pm-9:00pm and October 1st, 10:00am-6:00pm

Downtown Amherstburg, ON.

Free, everyone is welcome!

Oct 12: Live Performance: The Mush Hole (Municipal partnership event)

6:00pm

Capitol Theatre

$10 + handling fee, recommended for ages 13+

The story of Canada’s first Indian Residential school, the Mohawk Institute powerful portrayal of a family impacted by the Mohawk Institute Residential School (aka “The Mush Hole”), honours the resilience, courage and strength of residential-school survivors.

Partnership with Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Arts & Culture and St. Clair Catholic School Board.

Support Local Indigenous Youth

The Bkejwanong Youth Council are looking for support to create a youth facility. Learn more and support the Youth Council at the Bkejwanong Youth Centre Go Fund Me page.

The Bkejwanong Youth Council is from Walpole Island First Nation, located in Southwestern Ontario. The Council is youth-driven, youth-focused, and youth-led. They are a mentorship, leadership, and role model group for other Indigenous youth. They strive to be a voice for Indigenous youth and to advocate for their needs.

The Bkejwanong Youth Council meet weekly to plan community events, cultural workshops and outreach to youth. They listen to the concerns regarding community youth and suggestions on how they can help the community. One primary concern identified in the community is the need for a larger youth facility that can be used for recreational activities, cultural workshops and meeting space for the Youth Council. It would also serve as a safe, welcoming, inclusive space for high-risk Indigenous youth to call their own.

Buildings and resources are scarce on the First Nation, and the community has numerous needs. The current youth facility is barely large enough to accommodate programming for 20 youth. The Youth Council are asking for your support to help raise money to build a new and larger facility for their community youth and youth council.

Learn About Indigenous Peoples, Worldviews, Truth and Reconciliation

September 30th is an opportunity to develop your personal learning plan to work towards Truth and Reconciliation. Some self-guided learning resources are below.

Read CK Road to Understanding Indigenous Cultures

Learn about local First Nations, local Treaties, appropriate terminology and regional and cultural differences.

Hard copies available. Contact Rebecca Haskell-Thomas

Review Residential School Timeline

Learn about the progression of Residential Schools through time from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

Watch What is Orange Shirt Day?

Hear Phyllis Webstad's story and why Orange Shirt Day started. Video hosted by the Orange Shirt Society.

Learn Which Treaty Territory You Are In

Understand whose traditional territory you are in and why acknowledging the land and territory is important. From Whose Land. An app is also available.

Participate in 4 Seasons of Reconciliation Education

Self-paced online learning. Cost associated. Takes about 3 hours to complete. Designed to meet the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 92. Offered through First Nations University of Canada.

General courses should be complimented by learning about and from local First Nations and Indigenous Peoples.

Participate in Indigenous Canada Online Course

Free through University of Alberta. 12-lesson course explores the histories and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples. 12 weeks of study, 2-3 hours per week.

General courses should be complimented by learning about and from local First Nations and Indigenous Peoples.

Download Reconciliation: A Starting Point Mobile App

A reference tool for learning about First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, including key historical events and examples of reconciliation initiatives. Users will learn why reconciliation matters and what public servants need to know and do to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Created by the Canada School of Public Service.

Read Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action

While many Calls to Action are directed towards the Federal government and specific systems, there are also several that apply to everyone and to local government. From the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Supports

Hope for Wellness Help Line

Offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.

National Residential School Crisis Line

Provides 24-hour crisis support to former Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.

Have other events or resources to add? Please contact Rebecca Haskell-Thomas or Amrit Khaira.

Orange Shirt Pin Kits initially created by Lana Parenteau and the central distributor Come Together CK are now available at CK libraries!

About the pins:

Orange Shirt – For Orange Shirt Day (External link)originated by Phyllis Webstad.

Leather – For Moose Hide campaign(External link), an Indigenous-led grassroots movement of men, boys and all Canadians - standing up to end violence against women and children.

Feather – Represents Indigenous folk and communities, and feathers they have in their regalia.

Tip: You can also draw on a heart and number of mass graves that have been found. #everychildmatters

On Friday, September 16th from 2:00pm-7:00pm at 10 Merritt Avenue, Chatham-Kent the Active Lifestyle Centre will be hosting a National Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day event.

Attendees will be able to purchase orange hoodies and shirt at the event, and proceeds will go to local Truth and Reconciliation efforts.

Entry and tours will be free for the event, there will be over 50+ vendors, programs, and services present, and a free pasta dinner will be provided.

View the poster below to find more details.

Chatham-Kent Welcome Week will be celebrated across CK, from September 9th to 18th, 2022. Chatham-Kent Welcome Week provides the opportunity to connect newcomers to services in Chatham-Kent, to celebrate their contributions to the community through storytelling, and to promote diversity in our community. The week acts as a celebration, while efforts to support and welcome new residents to Chatham-Kent continue throughout the year. Click here to find out more information, how to get involved, and see a list of events and activities planned for the week! Hope to see you there.

Chatham-Kent Welcome Week is right around the corner! Join newcomers and established immigrants for this fun event. Check out the flyer below for more details!

See Different is a two-part, online DEI training and certification program for youth.

This program is offered free of charge to all students enrolled in a Canadian high school, college, or university, between the ages of 15-24. This age range is based on the UN definition of youth, and exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Topics include:

• Dimensions of diversity
• Equity and inclusion
• Power and privilege
• Bias, prejudice, and discrimination
• Allyship
• Conflict mediation
• Safe and brave spaces
• Social action

Read more and register for this program by clicking here.

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.

Each year on August 31^st, 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.

Outreach workers who support people who use substances in Chatham-Kent at a First-Responder and Overdose Response training through Heart2Heart.

“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 31^st 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