The Town of Whitby believes in a town that is welcoming and inclusive for everyone. Our community is becoming more diverse and we want to celebrate and honour this diversity. On this page you will find different resources, helpful links and information for our residents and community groups.
Mayor Roy Speaks with Grandmother Kim Wheatley about Truth and Conciliation
International Women's Day |
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/
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Black History Month |
Throughout the month of February, the Town of Whitby celebrates Black History Month, recognizes the unique and important role of black community in the Canadian past, reflects on current realities, and commits itself to a better future. Black History Month is an opportunity for the Town of Whitby to see 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. |
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: Wear an Orange Shirt on September 30If 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
VideosThis series of videos includes information, speakers, discussions and panels to prompt learning and self-reflection.
Additional Indigenous Peoples Resources
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Pride Month |
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. ResourcesPride Events in Durham RegionHow to Improve LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion(Credit to City of Toronto)
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Whitby Town Council and staff recognize and value the contributions of the diverse communities that make our Town so unique and special. We also observe national and internationally recognized days and historical events.
See this month and past months Awareness Days and Observances 2023. Be sure to subscribe to the news feed to stay in the loop for all Awareness Days and Observances monthly releases.
Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
The Town of Whitby would like to acknowledge that the land we are meeting on together is the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewa and Mississauga Nations known collectively as the Williams Treaty First Nations, with the closest community being Scugog Island First Nation. This land is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people, and we are thankful for the opportunity to meet and work on these lands.
The Town of Whitby respectfully shares the responsibility of the stewardship and protection of these ancestral lands and waters and continues toward truth and reconciliation as friends and allies with all First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people.
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