Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
We are currently located on land, which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange among the Mississauga Peoples, and is the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. We honour, recognize, and respect this nation and Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of the lands and waters on which we meet today.
Fostering a strong and inclusive region
Having a sense of belonging is critical to our personal and collective success. Who we are in terms of our cultural identity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religious affiliation, age, etc. helps to shape our life experiences. It is important that the Region of Durham is a place where diversity is embraced and each one of us is valued and included. Creating a strong sense of belonging helps us harness individual differences in ways that drive leadership, co-operation, innovation and service excellence.
Our organization will strengthen diversity and inclusion by focusing on four goals and areas for improvement:
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Improve our understanding of diversity and deepen everyone’s commitment to inclusion.
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Strengthen diversity and inclusion within our organizational culture.
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Engage staff in diversity and inclusion efforts, and foster opportunities for leadership, advancement and employee development.
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Identify and address barriers to inclusion in the delivery of Regional programs and services.
Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce (DRART)Indigenous support and resourcesAddressing anti-Black racism in Durham Black HistoryAddressing anti-Asian racism in DurhamPlans, strategies and policiesCommittees and working groupsAccessibility
August Significant Dates
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Emancipation Day – August 1 |
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August 1 is Emancipation Day. This day represents the actual day slavery was abolished in Canada in 1834. While there is much to celebrate, it is important to note that the exploitation of formerly enslaved people persisted in Canada beyond 1834 through oppressive policies and systems. Anti-Black racism continues to be present in Durham Region evidenced by the experiences shared by Black communities regarding inequities in health care, education, justice and other systems. We must continue our work to dismantle systemic anti-Black racism and to create safe and inclusive communities. Learn more about Emancipation Day with this infographic created by Jessica Lappin, Student, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Division. Come out and join us as we, along with local community organizations, host an Emancipation Day Celebration on Saturday, August 6, from noon to 2 p.m. at Regional Headquarters. |
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Lammas Day – August 1 |
| Lammas, also called Lughnasadh, is a wheat harvest festival that celebrates the first harvest of the season on August 1. In some Wiccan and modern Pagan traditions, Lammas is also a day of honoring Lugh, the Celtic craftsman god. Learn more about Lammas. |
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Tisha B’Av — August 7 |
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Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the month of Av, is a day of communal mourning for the Jewish community relating to the large number of disasters that are said to have befallen on this day. The major commemoration for this day is of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Central to the observance of this day is fasting. Learn more about Tisha B’Av. |
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International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples — August 9 |
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Today, the United Nations brings attention to and defends the rights of the world’s Indigenous Peoples. This year’s theme is, the “Role Indigenous Women Play in the Preservation and Transmission of Traditional Knowledge.” Indigenous women have an integral collective and community role as carers of natural resources and keepers of scientific knowledge. However, they often suffer from intersecting levels of discrimination around gender, class, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Learn more about International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. |
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International Youth Day — August 12 |
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On this day, the United Nations emphasizes the importance of the world’s youth and the important role they play in society. This year’s theme is, “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages,” in recognition of the need to leverage the full potential of all generations to achieve sustainable development. Learn more about International Youth Day. |
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Obon Festival – August 13 to 15 |
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Obon Festival is an annual Buddhist festival celebrated in Japan from August 13 to 15 of the seventh lunar month. This festival honours one’s ancestors. During the three days of festivities, the Japanese welcome the spirits of their dead ancestors and rekindle their connections. Learn more about Obon Festival. |
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Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God – August 15 |
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In the Orthodox Church, the Feast of the Dormition commemorates the repose of the Mother of God (Theotokos) and Ever-Virgin Mary every year on August 15. The Feast is also referred to as the Assumption, proclaiming that Mary has been “assumed” by God into the heavenly kingdom. Learn more about the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God. |
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International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade – August 23 |
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The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade recognizes the tragedy of the slave trade. The uprising in Santo Domingo (known today as Haiti and the Dominican Republic) on August 22 and 23, 1791, played a crucial role in the abolition of slavery. Learn more about International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. |
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Ganesh Chaturthi – August 31 |
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Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day festival to honour the Hindu god of intelligence, Ganesha, and is celebrated by the Hindu community around the world. This day is observed with prayer, public and private displays of Ganesha idols, the chanting of Vedic hymns, and fasting. Learn more about Ganesh Chaturthi. |
Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce (DRART)
DRART is part of the Region's commitment to develop and implement an Anti-Racism Framework to ensure a healthy workplace and to address racism within the communities the Region serves. The mandate of the DRART is to act in an advisory role to Regional Council through the Finance and Administration Committee on issues related to racism — structural, systemic and interpersonal. The work of DRART will be guided by Council approved Terms of Reference.
Indigenous Support and Resources
Residential School Survivors Helpline: 1-866-925-4419
In memory of the 160 First Nation, Métis and Inuit children who were uncovered in unmarked graves on the site of the former Kuper Island Residential School near Vancouver Island, B.C.; the 182 children who were uncovered in unmarked graves on the site of the former St. Eugene's Mission School in Cranbrook, B.C.; the 751 children on the site of the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan; the 215 children discovered on the Kamloops Indian Residential School grounds in Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc territory, B.C. and those that are still to be found, we are sharing support and resources for Indigenous Peoples and others impacted by these events.
The resources below also contain important information about the history of residential schools, the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and more. We understand this content includes distressing information, and we hope that you can access the resources you need to feel supported.
The Region encourages residents to reflect on our relationships – both past and present – with Indigenous Peoples, and to move forward with reconciliation in our hearts, minds and actions.
Support
| Indian Residential School Survivor's Society (IRSSS) |
| A provincial organization with a twenty-year history of providing services to Indian Residential School Survivors. Visit the IRSS website. |
| First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) |
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The first and only provincial First Nations health authority in Canada working to transform and reform the way health care is delivered to British Columbia First Nations. |
| Legacy of Hope Foundation |
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An Indigenous-led charitable organization. |
| Hope for Wellness Chat |
| Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention by phone or online chat. Call toll-free 1-855-242-3310 or start a confidential chat with a counsellor at hopeforwellness.ca. |
| Bawaajigewin - An Aboriginal Community Circle Oshawa |
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The Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle (BACC) is an Aboriginal-led incorporated non-profit agency in the Durham Region. Visit the website for the Bawaajigewin - An Aboriginal Community Circle Oshawa. |
| Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) |
| Mental Health Services, Help and Support in Durham Region: eMentalHealth.ca. |
| Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle (NASC) |
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Healing services cater for Anisnaabekwewag and their families through traditional Anishnaabe spirituality, but they welcome people from all nations. They serve the geographic area of Turtle Island, including Durham Region. Visit the Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle (NASC) website. |
| Métis Nation of Ontario |
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Programs, services, and activities to address the holistic needs of Métis people in Ontario at the provincial, regional, and local levels. |
Resources
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Videos |
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Note: The content in the videos listed below may include distressing details for viewers. Support is available - please see the links above or call the helpline for residential school survivors at 1-866-925-4419.
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Films |
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Sites and links |
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Learn about our shared history and take action |
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Region is honoured to acknowledge the first ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Durham Region on September 30. A time to show respect for the heritage, diverse cultures and achievements of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. A time to reflect on relationships—both past and present—with Indigenous Peoples. To move forward with reconciliation. This is just the first step on the long and important journey ahead.
| Orange Shirt Drum Circle | ||||||
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Thank you to the drummers, performers and participants and those who watched the live stream of the Orange Shirt Drum Circle on September 29.
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| Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action | ||||||
In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation we are highlighting Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Calls to Action relating to child welfare and children who died or went missing while attending the residential schools.
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| More Information and Resources | ||||||
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Addressing anti-Black racism in Durham
The development of an Anti-Black Racism Pillar at The Regional Municipality of Durham calls for key priorities of the Anti-Black Racism Pillar to be identified by the Region’s diverse community of employees.
As one of the core values of the Region is inclusivity, the Anti-Black Racism Pillar’s aim is to assist the Region in moving towards healing from past hurt and advancing towards long-term systemic change for all.
| Anti-Black Racism statement | ||||
| The Regional Municipality of Durham recognizes the presence of systemic and Anti-Black Racism in the organization and strives to build a safe and healthy workplace where every employee feels valued and treated with dignity and respect. We condemn all forms of systems of oppression which deny individuals the right to equitable treatment, access and fairness.
We continue to believe that it is possible to engage our employees and community in anti-racism conversations through open, respectful, factual dialogue. This work cannot be done without listening to the voices of Black, Indigenous and racialized communities as we strive to be strong and trustworthy allies. |
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| Anti-Black Racism Town Hall and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Follow-Up report | ||||
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On October 14, 2020, the Anti-Black Racism Town Hall and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Follow-up report was presented during a Committee of the Whole meeting. Enclosed within this report are:
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| Anti-Black Racism Town Hall recordings | ||||
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Black History
In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada.
2022 Black History Month Event
- Black History in Canada
- Black History Timeline
- Black Enslavement in Canada
Addressing anti-Asian racism in Durham
We are committed to calling out and actively working towards disrupting all forms of oppression and violence. We want to create spaces where all people are valued and can feel safe.
No form of hatred, racism or prejudice is okay in our communities. This year, there’s been an increase of incidents of anti-Asian violence. Durham Region stands with our Asian-Canadian colleagues and community members.
For individuals seeking support or further information, see the resources below for more information.
Resources:
- Mental health impacts of anti-East Asian racism during pandemic (Article)
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One year later, COVID-19 still fans the flames of anti-Asian racism (Article)
- Pandemic Rapid-response Optimization to Enhance Community-Resilience and Health - Staying Healthy (Webpage)
Plans, strategies and policies
- Durham Region Strategic Plan
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy
- Durham Immigration and Inclusion Community Plan
- Age-Friendly Strategy and Action Plan
- Community Safety and Well Being Plan
- Accessibility Plan
Committees and working groups
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion News
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November 25, 2021 - Durham Region appoints members to anti-Racism taskforce
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June 28, 2021 Statement from Regional Chair John Henry on Canada Day
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