Chatham-Kent's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice Strategy

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is currently recruiting volunteer citizen appointments to various Local Boards and Committees of Council.

Committees of Council are groups made up of community members and sometimes Council representatives who work together to provide advice and recommendations on specific issues, projects, or services in Chatham-Kent. These committees give residents an opportunity to share their knowledge, experience, and perspectives, helping Council make informed decisions that reflect the needs and interests of the community.

The following Chatham-Kent Local Boards and Committees of Council are recruiting citizen members for the 2026 – 2030 term:

• Accessibility Advisory Committee
• Blenheim Landfill Liaison Committee
• By-law Appeal & Property Standards Committee
• Chatham-Kent Board of Health (Indigenous representative only)
• Chatham-Kent Municipal Museums Advisory Committee
• Chatham-Kent Police Services Board
• Chatham-Kent Public Library Board
• Committee of Adjustment
• Court of Revision for Local Improvements
• Drainage Board
• Municipal Heritage Committee
• Ridge Landfill Liaison Committee

Information about each of these committees can be found on the municipal website or on Let's Talk Chatham-Kent.

Paper copies of the applications can also be picked up at any Municipal Centre.

Applications must be completed online or returned to any Municipal Centre by Friday, October 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

The Together CK 2027 Municipal Grant Program is now open for applications.

Together CK grants support local projects and events that benefit the community. Chatham-Kent based community organizations and not-for-profit corporations are eligible for funding. This portfolio includes annual Together CK grants for Significant and Community Events, and Community Projects, as well as Together CK Core Grant funding which supports operational needs for a four-year grant term.

To begin your application, please visit the Together CK Municipal Grant webpage: Together CK Municipal Grant Link

Once on the webpage, click the Apply Now button. This will take you to the E-proval landing page.

Eproval is the new online application portal used to submit Together CK grant applications. The system allows applicants to complete applications, upload supporting documents, and track the status of their submissions through one centralized platform. All applicants must register a new Eproval account before submitting an application.

Important Dates

• Application submission period begins: October 1, 2026
• Information Webinar: October 7, 2026, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Webinar Ticket Link)
• In-Person Information Session: October 15, 2026, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (In-Person Ticket Link)
  Capital Theatre, Rotary Lounge
• Application deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
• Together CK Committee Review: November to December 2026
• Funding recommendations submitted to Council for approval: January 2027
• Funding notifications to applicants: January 2027

Considering applying? Review the program guidelines and begin preparing your application early.

Questions? Email TogetherCK@chatham-kent.ca

November 3, 2026, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

John D. Bradley Convention Centre, 565 Richmond Street, Chatham

Free event.

Build Your Future. Break Barriers. Explore the Trades.

*Please note that that this panel discussion will occur during the Education and Training Fair event.

Did you know that Chatham-Kent and Ontario continue to experience significant skilled trades labour shortages?

At the same time, women remain underrepresented in many skilled trades occupations, despite the growing demand for talented workers. Many women face barriers to entering and remaining in the trades, including limited awareness of career pathways, lack of female mentors and role models, financial challenges, and difficulty accessing industry networks and apprenticeship opportunities.

Join the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s CKJobs and Community Attraction and Promotion for an inspiring and informative Women in Trades Live Panel Discussion, designed to connect women with real career opportunities, industry professionals, employers, and training resources.

Hear directly from local women who have built successful careers in skilled trades and non-traditional occupations. Through candid conversations and personal stories, our panelists will share their career journeys, challenges they’ve overcome, lessons they’ve learned, and advice for women considering a future in the trades.

Whether you’re a student, job seeker, career changer, parent, educator, or simply curious about the opportunities available, this event will provide valuable insights into some of the region’s most in-demand careers.

If you’ve ever considered a career in the trades or want to learn more about the opportunities available, this event is for you.

Learn more or reserve your seat: Women Who Build: Real Stories, Career Paths & Opportunities in the Trades - Chatham-Kent Jobs

Chatham-Kent Public Library is pleased to host Dean M. Jacobs at Wallaceburg Branch (209 James St.) on Tuesday, November 3 at 6:30PM.

Mr. Jacob’s presentation will explore the pre-Confederation Treaties between the British Imperial Crown and the ancestors of Walpole Island First Nation, while addressing the path toward Truth & Reconciliation through mutual trust and respect.

The event is free and open to everyone.

If you are unable to attend this in-person event, there are many online resources to learn more. Learn about local Treaties on Living CK. Learn about Treaty Recognition Week and why Treaty relationships are important today from the government of Ontario.

About Dean Jacobs:

Dean Jacobs has dedicated over 52 years to serving the Walpole Island First Nation (WIFN), specializing in Land Claim and Hosting Agreement negotiations. A former Chief of WIFN, Dean has played a pivotal role in governance, policy, and advocacy.

Beyond his leadership within WIFN, he is an Adjunct Professor in the Interfaculty Program in Public Health at Western University, contributing to academic discourse on Indigenous governance and environmental policy. His scholarship includes a prize-winning article on Indigenous history, recognized by the Canadian Historical Association in 2021.

Dean has served on esteemed boards, including the University of Windsor’s Board of Governors, the International Joint Commission’s Great Lakes Water Quality Board & Research Managers Council, the Ontario Heritage Foundation, and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (Mexico/USA/Canada). His contributions to environmental stewardship and Indigenous rights have had a lasting impact.

Honored with two eagle feathers and three honorary doctorate degrees, Dean’s legacy is deeply rooted in leadership, scholarship, and advocacy. His work continues to shape Indigenous governance, environmental policy, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

“WIFN’s journey is one of strength and vision—asserting Indigenous governance, honoring our Treaties, nurturing our relationship with the land, and building meaningful partnerships to shape a sovereign future.”

November 8th is Indigenous Veterans Day and November 11th is Remembrance Day in Canada.

These days are a chance for us to recognize the courage, contributions, and sacrifices of Veterans who serves our Country. We remember. We honour. We are grateful.

Find a list of local Remembrance Day events on CKXS website: LIST OF REMEMBRANCE DAY EVENTS IN CHATHAM-KENT - 99.1 FM CKXS | Your Music Variety

Learn about Remembrance Day: Remembrance Day - Canada.ca

Learn about Indigenous Veterans Day: Indigenous Veterans | Veterans Affairs Canada

Learn about Black Canadians in Uniform: Black Canadians in uniform | Veterans Affairs Canada

Learn about Women in Service Women in service | Veterans Affairs Canada

Learn about 2SLGBTQIA+ in Service Pride in service | Veterans Affairs Canada

During Transgender Awareness Week, every year from November 13th to 19th, individuals and organizations recognize the experiences and contributions of transgender and gender diverse people and communities. The week-long celebration leads up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th, an annual observance honoring the lives lost to acts of transphobic violence and systemic oppression.

Whether you are celebrating your trans pride or engaging in education and advocacy as an ally, Transgender Awareness Week is a time for showing up, speaking up, and supporting one another.

Thursday, November 13, 12:00 - 12:30 PM,

Transgender Awareness Week Flag Raising

Civic Centre, Chatham (315 King Street West)

Open to everyone. Organized by CK Pride.

Flag raisings, like those for Transgender Awareness Week, affirm that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. They demonstrate a commitment to human rights and a welcoming community.

Join the Chatham-Kent Asian Cultural Association for Diwali in Chatham-Kent 2026, an evening celebrating the festival of lights!

Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Chatham-Kent Secondary School, 285 McNaughton Ave East, Chatham.

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Dinner (registration required)

7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Cultural programme (free and open to all)

For dinner registration: Scan the QR code above or visit Diwali in CK 2026 - Dinner Registration

For more information: 519-401-3162 or ckaca.events@gmail.com

Supported by Riverview Gaming Centre.

About Diwali

Diwali is also known as the festival of lights. It is the biggest and one of the most important holidays for many people in our community. The festival began as a Hindu celebration but is now celebrated by many communities with different legends associated with the festival. What remains consistent across the legends is the theme of good triumphing over evil.

Diwali (or Deepavali) means row of lights in Sanskrit. This is why Diyas (a traditional lamp) and fireworks are important symbols during the festival. These symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.

Diwali is celebrated over 5 days and marks the start of the Hindu New Year. Over these days, people clean and decorate their homes, shop for gold items to bring good fortune, draw Rangoli, lights fireworks, pray, feast, share gifts, and visit with family and friends.

The exact dates Diwali is honoured change each year and are determined by the position of the moon. Usually, Diwali falls in October or November.

Connect with provincial ministries and funding organizations about upcoming grant programs, eligibility requirements, application timelines, and funding priorities.

Tuesday, November 24, 2026, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Studio One, Chatham Cultural Centre, 75 William Street North, Chatham

Registration is required. Register at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness website to compete your registration.

Join the Western Ontario Fall Funders Forum Series. This in-person event is a valuable opportunity to:

• Learn about funding programs and deadlines

• Understand eligibility and application expectations

• Connect with ministry representatives and regional stakeholders

• Ask questions and gain insights in a supportive setting

Participants will hear presentations from representatives of:

• Ministry of Rural Affairs (MRA)

• Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT)

• Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)

• Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG)

• Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA)

• Community Futures

• Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres

Please feel free to share this opportunity with any organizations, businesses, operators, or community partners that may be interested in applying for grant funding

Family Service Kent introduces Project Pathways, Hate-Motivated Incident Counselling and Referral Service.

You are not alone. Support is available. Project Pathways provides free counselling and referral support for children over 6, youth, and adults who have been affected by hate-motivated incidents.

Hate-motivated incidents may include:

- harassment, discrimination, or intimidation

- threats or violence or harm

- discrimination or unfair treatment

The incidents may be related to:

- race, colour, religion, creed

- sexual orientation or gender identity

- disability

- cultural background

- personal characteristics

How can Project Pathways Help?

Counselling Support

- a safe and respectful place to talk

- help understand the impact of the incident

- tools to cope with stress and strong feelings

- support based on your needs and culture

Referrals and Connections

- help finding other community services

- support connecting with the right service

- clear information about available options

- coordination with community partners when needed

Ready to Connect?

Support is available by self-referral, police, community organizations, friends, or family member.

Call: 519-354-6221 x 233

Email: intake@familyservicekent.com

www.familyservicekent.com/services/community-counselling-program/

Funded by the government of Ontario through the Safer and Vital Communities Grant.

CK Victim Services has launched a new online tool to report incidents of hate or discrimination in CK.

This new tool will give people an option to report outside of going to the police. Many people don’t report experiences motivated by hate or bias to police. The intention of this new tool is to 1) ensure that people can get access to supports if they need it, and 2) use the combined data to get an idea of trends in the community.

Key points:

• The tool is available on Victim Services website http://www.ckvictimservices.com/report-hate
• People can also call Victim Services at 519-436-6630 and leave a message saying they want to make a report. Calls will be returned within 3 business days.
• People can report their own experiences or experiences they witnessed.
• People have the option of submitting an anonymous report or providing their contact information and indicating that they would like support from Victim Services.
• Hate or discrimination could include things like (but is not limited to) harassment, intimidation, threats, denial of services, witnessing or seeing vandalism aimed at a person or the broader community because of a person’s race, ethnic origin, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disabilities, or other identities.