SheLeads Mini Session: Understanding how you can get involved in municipal governance.

Date: Saturday, January 24

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM

(Agenda begins at 10:15 AM)

Location: CK Creative Co.

Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided by SheLeads.

How To Register

If you are interested in attending this session, please email hello@sheleadsck.com with the full names of all attendees.

Why This Session Matters

We live in a growing and changing municipality, facing complex issues that affect our daily lives—housing, infrastructure, services, growth, and community well-being. Navigating these changes can feel overwhelming, but local government is also where individuals can have the most direct impact.

This session is designed to help demystify municipal governance and empower you with practical, accessible ways to engage—whether you’re just getting started or considering deeper involvement.

Featured Speaker

We’re pleased to welcome Judy Shantz, Director of Municipal Governance, who will share an informative presentation outlining the many ways residents can participate in local decision-making, including:

• Watching Council meetings
• Reviewing Council agendas
• Making a deputation at Council
• Contacting Councillors
• Joining a Committee of Council or Board
• Voting in municipal elections
• Running for Council

We’ll also be joined by members of Council, offering an opportunity to hear directly from elected representatives and participate in thoughtful conversation.

This session is presented in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

World Hijab Day: Fostering Understanding and Respect Webinar

Monday, February 2, 12:15 – 12:45, Microsoft Teams

Register on EventBrite.

A calendar invitation with a Teams link will be sent to registrants.

Join us for an engaging Lunch & Learn in honour of World Hijab Day. This short webinar will explore the significance of head coverings worn by Muslim women, the diversity of styles, and common questions and misconceptions. Deepen your understanding, ask questions, and help make Chatham‑Kent a respectful and inclusive place for everyone.

This session is free and open to all to attend.

Presented by the Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership and the Municipality of Chatham‑Kent.

Building an Equitable Health System: Spotlight on CKOHT’s Anti-Black Racism / Anti-Oppression Action Team

The Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT) and members (including the Municipality of Chatham-Kent) are committed to creating a healthcare system where equity and inclusion are at the forefront. At the heart of this work is the Anti-Black Racism / Anti-Oppression Action Team, a sub-working group of the CKOHT Diversity & Equity Working Group. This team was formed to address systemic barriers, address anti-Black racism and ensure historically marginalized voices help shape local healthcare.

Impact So Far

The Action Team has led meaningful initiatives, including:

• Investing in education and anti-Black racism training for local health care staff & leadership.
• Securing funding for health programming for Black communities in Chatham-Kent.
• Amplifying underrepresented voices through the ‘Seen & Heard’ campaign.
• Conducting research to identify gaps and barriers. Read the ‘Seen & Heard’ Research Report HERE.

These efforts reflect CKOHT’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful health care environment for all.

What’s Next

We will share findings from the Seen & Heard research with community partners and develop actionable strategies to address identified issues—continuing the work of building a healthcare system that truly reflects the diverse needs of Chatham-Kent.

Interested in learning more? Email info@ckoht.ca

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is starting to post various summer student positions for the Summer of 2026. Positions will continue to be posted over the next couple of months.

Find the postings on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent website.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees in a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the diverse community we serve. Learn more about the Municipality as an employer and our hiring processes on our website.

Should you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources & Organizational Development (HROD) at 519-360-1998. Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used strictly for the purpose of candidate selection.

The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority offers education programs at C.M. Wilson Learning Centre in Blenheim. Bring your class or group out for programs, like Winter Storytelling!

Book a visit in January or February to learn about Indigenous storytelling and hear stories that can only be shared at this time of the year.

Visit their website for more details.

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 role of Black individuals and communities is often excluded from mainstream recounting of Canadian history. This shared history is important all year, but having a designated Black History Month ensures these stories are told. Black History Month highlights the accomplishments of Black community members and the continued struggles for liberation, equity, and justice.

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

Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:30 - 8:00. In-person at 495 King St. W, Chatham or Zoom

RSVP: naomi@skanaflc.com

The Gindaasdaa Circle is a book club focusing on Indigenous authors who've written about Indigenous Knowledge, Reconciliation, and Worldviews. A book will be chosen for everyone to read, review, and discuss at the bi-monthly meeting. Suggestions are always welcome.

February's Books:

Seven Fallen Feathers, Tanya Tagala

52 Ways to Reconciliation: How to Walk with Indigenous People on the Path to Healing, David A. Robertson

This month's GINDAASDAA will be a little different in format, to catch-up on the previous book read nut not reviewed. We will spend about half the time on 'Seven Fallen Feathers', then switch to '52 Ways to Reconcile'.

We would like you to think of a few of the approaches listed in the book (52 Ways) and share what you've done personally and professionally, and what you're planning on doing towards reconciliation.

Sharing your greats ideas will help all of us to walk together on the path to healing.

Friday, February 27, 2026, 8:30 - 4:30.

Reconcili-Action Conference: Continuing the Journey

Portuguese Club, Leamington, 217 Talbot Street West, Leamington, Ontario

Breakfast, beverages, and lunch provided.

Conference fee of $100 per person.

Register via Survey Monkey

This event will be an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Indigenous issues, connect with community members, and engage in meaningful dialogue about how we can collectively address these challenges. Whether you are a member of the Caldwell First Nation, an ally, or someone who wishes to learn more, your presence and participation are valued. Speakers will include Dr. Vanessa Ambtman-Smith, James Vukelich, Sara Williams, and more.

For more information, please email Carrie Ann cultural.dev@caldwellfirstnation.ca or visit the Caldwell First Nation website.

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of FREE workshops for people in equity-deserving communities* who are thinking about running for municipal Council in 2026.

*Equity-deserving communities are communities that often face barriers to participation and, as a result, are often under-represented in municipal government. Examples include but are not limited to people in the following communities: Indigenous, Black, Racialized; Women; 2SLGBTQIA+; People with Disabilities, Newcomers to Canada; Youth.

This 90-minute workshop provides useful insights and strategies to support you in getting your name on the ballot. Facilitated by former municipal Councillors Steve Anderson and Jasvinder Sandhu, you will be taken through:

• What to expect running as a candidate from an equity-deserving community (what they call diverse candidates)
• Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
• Understand what it takes to become a candidate
• Identifying your target audience,
• Developing effective messaging and branding,
• Utilizing community engagement practices to enhance visibility and support.
• And more!

Dates:

• December 3, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
• February 4, 2026 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
• April 8, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30am

Learn more and register on the Association of Municipalities of Ontario website.

Additional Resources

Find information about the 2026 Chatham-Kent municipal election on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent website.

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

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

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