International Women's Day is held every year on March 8. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. 

This year's theme is #Embrace Equity.

Find resources at https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Black History Month is an opportunity for town of Whitby residents to recognize past and present contributions from Black Canadians to the lives of Whitby and Durham Region residents, and all Canadians in areas such as education, medicine, arts, culture, social work, economic development, politics and human rights.

The Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee is participating in Together We Rise Durham: Black History, Intersectionality and Joy. This Durham Region Black History Month celebration takes place on February 1 from 6:00 - 8:00pm at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, 1867 Valley Farm Road in Pickering. 

The evening will showcase talented performers including the Lift Your Voice Choir, Ngoma Ensemble and Riddim Cultural Arts Program. It will conclude with a conversation panel on Black History and how intersectionality and Black joy have shaped their lives. To attend please register. 

Saturday, February 3rd 4:00 - 9:00 pm - Cultural Expressions presents its 17th Annual Black History Month celebration at J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate, 1355 Harwood Avenue N, Ajax. Click here for more details. 

Tuesday, February 6th 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Celebrating Black History Month - An evening with author Celina Caesar-Chavannes. Whitby Public Library, 405 Dundas Street West, Whitby.

Click here for more details. 

 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

At the Town of Whitby, our goal is to respectfully share in the responsibility of the stewardship and protection of these ancestral lands and waters, and continue towards truth and reconciliation as we move forward as friends and allies with all First Nations, Inuit and Metis people.

In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30, 2023), we encourage residents to make time to reflect and learn about Indigenous Peoples.

On September 30, the Town will fly a flag at Town Hall and Whitby Fire Headquarters symbolizing #EveryChildMatters. Flags at all Town facilities will also be flown at half-mast that day.

Becoming an active ally requires listening and learning. Also on September 30, tune into our social media channels and to this page to watch a video of Mayor Elizabeth Roy and Kim Wheatley, Anishinaabe Cultural Consultant from the Turtle Clan from Shawanaga First Nations Reserve, having a conversation about the importance of this day. Learn how to be a good ally.

View our 2022 video featuring Kim Wheatley, Anishinaabe Cultural Consultant from the Turtle Clan from Shawanaga First Nations Reserve:

https://youtu.be/1ek2brXq_3E

Wear an Orange Shirt on September 30

If you are purchasing an orange shirt for September 30, please consider supporting one of our local Indigenous communities, or buy a shirt from an organization that supports Indigenous groups. Some suggestions include Bawaajigewin - An Aboriginal Community Circle and Nish tees.

Podcast

Sitting by the Fire

• This podcast series offers topics that will expand your knowledge of First Nations, the Inuit and Métis.

Videos

This series of videos includes information, speakers, discussions and panels to prompt learning and self-reflection.

• Elder Talk: Exploring Identity
  Elder Gerry Oleman, a member of the St'at'imc Nation in British Columbia talks about how identity is formed both collectively and for each individual, how identity is imposed on us, and how we can also create our own identities. (Event held on January 13, 2021)

• Indigenous Leaders Panel
  Indigenous leaders discuss how the public service should be approaching its mandate for reconciliation.
• The Indigenous Learning Series Trailer
  A collection of video clips of Indigenous leaders and public servants discussing the meaning of reconciliation.
• Breaths with Nyla Innuksuk by National Film Board
  In this evocative documentary short, Inuk singer-songwriter and humanitarian Susan Aglukark weaves together stories of artistry, family, and belonging as she explores the complex cultural shifts of the last 50 years of Inuit life.
• Many Eagle Set Dance Song (Michif Song)
  This is the story of the "Many Eagle Set Sundance Song" as told by Folklorist and Author Nicholas Vrooman.
• Celebrating Métis Culture Across Park Canada
  To learn more about Métis culture and traditions, the following video highlights Métis pride and recognition today.
• The Memoirs of Russell Moses, Residential School Survivor
  John Moses speaks about his father Russell Moses' childhood experiences in a residential school.
• The Path of Reconciliation
  A collection of video clips of Indigenous leaders and executives of the Public Service of Canada discussing the path of reconciliation.
• Reconciliation Through the Arts
  Video clips of artists, Indigenous leaders and public servants discussing the role of the arts in the reconciliation process.
• Truth and Reconciliation (with the Honourable Murray Sinclair)
  The Honourable Murray Sinclair discusses the legacy of the Canadian government's policy towards Indigenous people, and the path towards reconciliation.
• What does Indigenous mean?
  From 'Indian' to 'Indigenous': the historical pursuit of one umbrella term that applies to all.
• Trick or Treaty? By National Film Board
  Covering a vast swath of northern Ontario, Treaty No. 9 reflects the often contradictory interpretations of treaties between First Nations and the Crown.
• The Seven Grandfather Teachings
  Listen and learn about the teachings that are often described as embodying the core values of Aboriginal philosophy.
• The Memoirs of Russell Moses: Residential School Survivor
  With excerpts from his father Russ' memoirs, John Moses tells the story of a residential school survivor.

Additional Indigenous Peoples Resources

• Orange Shirt Day was formed in 2013 in Williams Lake, British Columbia at the St. Joseph Mission residential school commemoration event at which survivor Phyllis Webstad told the story of her new orange shirt taken away from her on her first day of school at the Mission.
• Browse Whitby Public Library’s Indigenous Canada list of great Indigenous Authors - To learn more about the history of Canada and the relationship with its Indigenous people.
• It’s Our Time Toolkit - Invest time in the modules offered as part of the Assembly of First Nations which consists of 22 learning modules that have been designed to enhance the understanding of important First Nations topics to ensure both students and teachers are learning in and out of the classroom.
• Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) YouTube Channel
• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

• Donate to Indigenous Charities

• What is and What is not Reconciliation?
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
• National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419.

In June of each year the Town of Whitby raises the Rainbow flag at Town Hall to proclaim Pride Month and to recognize the challenges and celebrate the history, courage, diversity, and contributions of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Questioning, and Two Spirit Communities. (LGBTQ2S+)

The Town of Whitby is committed to addressing the unique challenges still facing the LGBTQ2S+ communities to build a more inclusive and equitable Town.

Resources

• Pflag Durham Region
• Durham Region Health & Wellness
• Durham Youth Pride
• Pride Durham

Pride Events in Durham Region

• Pride Durham
• Drag Queen Story Time In Durham

How to Improve LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion

(Credit to City of Toronto)

1. Reflect on yourself
   • We all develop values, beliefs and attitudes throughout our lives.
   • Be aware of your own personal biases.
   • Understand where your ideas about LGBTQ2S+ people come from.
2. Speak up
   • Stereotypical comments can lead to discrimination toward LGBTQ2S+ people.
   • Do your part to combat gender and sexual stereotypes.
   • Make it known that homophobic and transphobic jokes and teasing are offensive and unacceptable.
3. Use inclusive language
   • Language has the power to validate and acknowledge identities, but also to deny them.
   • Respect the language people use when speaking of themselves and of their relationships (e.g. “Husband”/”Spouse”/”Partner”/etc.)
   • If unsure, always use inclusive and gender-neutral language (without assuming gender or sexual orientation).
4. Ask for pronouns
   • Gender can be very important to a person’s sense of self.
   • “Misgendering” (incorrectly gendering) someone can cause them to feel disrespected and alienated.
   • Always ask for pronouns to prevent emotional distress and to set an example of respect.
   • Do not assume you know someone’s gender by how they look or sound.
   • When asking someone for their pronouns, it can help if you share your own (e.g. the City’s email signature standard permits the inclusion of pronouns in signatures).
   • You are invited to explore The 519 resources: Gender-Specific and Gender-Neutral Pronouns  and Starting Conversations .
5. Respect self-identification
   • Gender identity can be deeply personal; it is not something to be questioned, nor is it up for discussion.
   • Respect the terminology a person uses to describe their identity.
6. Being an “Ally” is about our actions
   • “Ally” isn’t a name we can call ourselves; it’s about our actions and how we show up for LGBTQ2S+ communities.
   • Be there to support LGBTQ2S+ communities when celebrating their success as well as during vulnerable times.
   • Do your research; it is much easier to work towards improving LGBTQ2S+ inclusion when you are aware of the relevant Pride history.

Mayor Don Mitchell signed a declaration to have Whitby join the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities (CIM) through the Canadian Commission of UNESCO to continue to support diversity and inclusion and to work against racism and discrimination locally on May 6, 2021.

Read the full press release to learn more about the Town of Whitby’s commitment to end racism and discrimination.

Durham is Our Home - Region of Durham and the Durham Local Immigration Partnership

The Durham is Our Home campaign is an initiative led by the Region of Durham and the Durham Local Immigration Partnership, with support from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. We’re calling on all residents and community members to join us in celebrating and welcoming everyone who calls Durham home as we all have a role to play in creating welcoming and inclusive communities.

Learn more about Durham is Our Home

Using Personal Pronouns for a More Inclusive Workplace

Utilizing inclusive pronoun practices in the workplace is vital in building organizational cultures of respect and belonging not just for the LGBTQ community, but for anyone who in some way challenges the traditional model of gender identity and expression.

Pronouns Guide PDF

Islamophobia Information and Resources

Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate can be defined as systematic hostility toward people who are or appear to be Muslim, or toward the religion of Islam. In Canada, this hostility has been manifested in a growing number of acts of discrimination and attacks against people associated with the Muslim community. (Canadian Encyclopedia)

See below for more information about the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (Durham Region Chapter) and their Dare to Be Aware campaign to empower racialized women, girls and allies with resources and tools to counter islamophobia and online hate.

• https://www.ccmw.com/durham-region

• https://www.daretobeaware.ca/