We are sharing a few local updates related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Event

CK Pride is hosting an event on Sunday, November 20th, 5PM at the Chatham Civic Centre to honour the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.

Learn more about the event on the CK Pride Facebook page.

Learn more about Transgender Day of Remembrance on the Queer Events website.

CK Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) Newsletter

This newsletter has a lot of information about local events and resources related to immigration in Chatham-Kent.

Find the latest edition of the CK LIP newsletter.

Subscribe to the CK LIP newsletter on the CK LIP website.

Learn More

Learn about and share information and resources related to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice by visiting the Engage section of the DEIJ Employee Portal.

November 6th to November 12th is Treaties Recognition Week!

We encourage everyone to take some time this week to learn about Treaties. Further understand their importance, what they mean, and more from the Treaties Recognition Week Poster attached on the DEIJ Portal and in this post below.

The resources listed in the infographic can be found below:

Treaties and Agreements on The Government of Canada Website

Mckee Purchase Treaty on The Canadian Encyclopedia

The Grandfather of all Treaties on Briar Patch

Treaties in Ontario from Ontario's Ministry of Indigenous Affairs

Indigenous Voices on Treaties from Ontario's Ministry of Indigenous Affairs

Anishinabek Nation Resources from Anishinabek Nation

Learn more about local Indigenous Cultures from the CK Road To Understanding

Please reach out to Amrit Khaira or Rebecca Haskell-Thomas at DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 226.312.2023 x 3610 if you have any questions or comments.

Thank you,

The DEIJ Team

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Team, in partnership with CK Pride, invite you to attend a Virtual Lunch and Learn for International Pronouns Day, October 19th, 12-12:30PM.

In this virtual webinar, CK Pride Board member Nathan Dawthorne will provide context for common ideas about gender and share:

• why pronouns matter
• when it's appropriate to ask about pronouns
• what to do if you use the wrong pronoun.

To register: Email DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or call Amrit 226.312.2023 x. 3610.

Speaker Bio:

Nathan Dawthorne is on the board of directors of the CK Gay Pride Association. He grew up in Lambton County & moved to Bothwell with his husband & Autistic son after a 20-year stint in London. Nathan has a Ph.D. in sociocultural anthropology, uncovering the life stories of male sex workers from Southern Ontario. He now works as a caregiver advisor & facilitator at the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto.

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

The application can be completed online by visiting www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca. Paper copies can also be picked up and returned at any Municipal Centre.

Applications must be completed by Friday, October 28, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.

The following Chatham-Kent Local Boards and Committees of Council are recruiting citizen members for the 2022 – 2026 term:

• Accessibility Advisory Committee
• Age Friendly 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
• Infrastructure, Bridge, Culverts and Roads Innovation Committee
• Municipal Heritage Committee
• Ridge Landfill Liaison Committee

As per the direction of Council, the CK Plan 2035 Committee and the Community Development Advisory Committee will not be recruiting members until after the new term of Council has set its strategic directions.

Information about each of these committees can be found at www.chatham-kent.ca.

For more information, contact:

Meredith Cadotte, Council Coordinator
Municipal Governance / Clerk’s Office
Email: meredithc@chatham-kent.ca
Phone: 360-1998 ext. 3805

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.

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 Employee Portal 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 own understanding and to 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 all 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 honor and learn. We will update this page as more information becomes available. Check back often.

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

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 28: GINDAASDAA Circle (Reading Together)

A book club focusing on Indigenous authors who have written about reconciliation, Indigenous history, knowledge, and other world views. One book is chosen to read, review, and discuss. Meetings on Zoom. For more information or to register contact Naomi Wilson naomi@skanaflc.com

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

12noon

Civic Centre

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 Event & Partnership)

10:30am-12:00pm

Begins outside Wallaceburg Library, ends at Civic Square Park, Wallaceburg.

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 30: Chatham-Kent Public Library September 30^th Events

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

Ages 0-12 years old.

Entire month of September.

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

September 30th, 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 Event

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

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.

Review 40 Tips for Local Governments: Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples

Practical tips for people in Municipal government who want to work effectively with Indigenous Peoples. From Indigenous Corporate Training.

The website and the accompanying blog have a lot of information.

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

Review tools from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario

A summary of the Calls to Action that are most relevant for local Municipalities. Ideas and options for how Municipalities can better support and engage neighbouring First Nations and Indigenous residents. And, a guidance document to support Municipalities to create Indigenous-Municipal Relationship Agreements.

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 reach out to Rebecca Haskell-Thomas or Amrit Khaira.

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.

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

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 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 (available to some colleagues through Our Training Room)
• 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

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 of Chatham-Kent is 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 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!).