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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Home Regional GovernmentDiversity, 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:

Improve our understanding of diversity and deepen everyone’s commitment to inclusion.
Strengthen diversity and inclusion within our organizational culture.
Engage staff in diversity and inclusion efforts, and foster opportunities for leadership, advancement and employee development.
Identify and address barriers to inclusion in the delivery of Regional programs and services.

Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce (DRART)Indigenous support and resources Addressing anti-Black racism in Durham Black History Addressing anti-Asian racism in Durham Plans, strategies and policies Committees and working groups Accessibility

May Significant Dates

Asian Heritage Month

May is Asian Heritage Month. We celebrate the many vibrant languages, ethnicities and religious traditions that Asian-Canadians bring to our communities. Asian Heritage Month also provides an opportunity to learn more about the history, influence and positive impacts of Canadians of Asian descent. Learn more about Asian Heritage Month.

Jewish Heritage Month

May is a significant month for the Jewish community. We commemorate survivors of the Holocaust and recognize important contributions that Jewish Canadians have made to our social, economic, political and cultural fabric. Learn more about Jewish Heritage Month.

Eid al-Fitr – May 2

After a month of fasting and prayer, Muslims all over the world will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast, on May 2. These celebrations usually last about three days and include large feasts, donating to charity and special prayers to acknowledge the sacred duties observed during Ramadan. Learn more about Eid al-Fitr.

Mental Health Week – May 2 to 8

The Canadian Mental Health Association has designated May 2 to 8 as Mental Health Week in Canada. This year’s theme pushes us to #GetReal about empathy – the ability to share someone else’s feelings and experiences by imaging what it’s like to be in their place. Empathy can be learned and practiced, and we are encouraged to use this week to learn how to support and connect through empathy. Learn more about Mental Health Week.

National Day of Awareness and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous, Women, Girls and Two Spirit People – May 5

The National Day of Awareness and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous, Women, Girls and Two Spirit People takes place annually on May 5. Each year on this date we bring awareness and call on all Canadians to speak out against violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. This call to action is critical as we strive to eliminate systemic violence and discrimination. Learn more about the persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations impacting Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people and calls to action to resolve this crisis from Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Join Indigenous communities and organizations, together with Carea Community Health Centre (Oshawa), and other community partners for a gathering to commemorate Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples on Thursday, May 5

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is celebrated each year to commemorate the victory of the Mexican army over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This holiday has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture, heritage and resilience. Learn more about Cinco de Mayo.

Mother’s Day – May 8

Mother’s Day is recognized as a day to pay tribute to mothers and motherly figures that have impacted those around them personally and contributed to the growth and success of their communities.

National Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism - May 10

The National Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism is on May 10. Violence and discrimination against Asian-Canadians is on the rise due to xenophobia and misinformation. We must continue to call call out racism and do our part to stop Asian hate. Learn more about addressing anti-Asian racism in Durham.

Vesak – May 16

Vesak or Buddha’s Birthday is observed by East and Southeast Asians all over the world. The exact date is based on the Asian lunar calendar and varies by region. This holiday commemorates Buddha’s birth and enlightenment. It’s celebrated uniquely from country to country. Learn more about Vesak.

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia – May 17

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. It is a day to draw attention to the alarming violence and harm faced by people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions.

This year’s theme is “Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights.” It highlights the right to live free from harm regardless of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Learn more about International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day – May 19

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is recognized every third Thursday in May to celebrate and promote digital accessibility and inclusion worldwide. GAAD was launched to inspire discussions, learning and further innovation for a more accessible internet. Everyone is challenged to think more deliberately about how an accessible online world can be achieved. Learn more about Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development – May 21

Every year on May 21, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is celebrated. This day commemorates the richness of the world’s cultures and how essential intercultural dialogue is for achieving peace and sustainable development. Promoting diversity and cultural expression will lead to prosperity, sustainable development, and global peaceful coexistence. Learn more about World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

Victoria Day – May 25

Victoria Day is observed on the first Monday before the twenty-fifth day of May each year to celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria. Canadians embrace this holiday as it also marks the transition to warmer weather. Learn more about Victoria Day.

Ascension Day – May 26

Christians all over the world recognize May 26 as Ascension Day to mark Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven. This holiday occurs 40 days after Easter and is observed by attending church services, participating in processions, and listening to hymns. Learn more about Ascension Day.

National Accessibility Week – May 29

National AccessAbility Week is recognized each year in May. This year it takes place between May 29 to June 4. This week is an opportunity to celebrate Canadians with disabilities and raise awareness of the critical need for accessibility and inclusion for all in our communities and workplaces. We are making strides, but there is still work to do to remove barriers that people with disabilities continue to face. Learn more about the Durham Region 2022 to 2025 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.

World MS Day – May 30

World MS Day presents an opportunity to celebrate global solidarity and hope for the future. We are encouraged to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with those affected by MS. Learn more about World MS Day.

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.

Meet the DRART members

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)

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.

Visit the First Nations Health Authority website.

Legacy of Hope Foundation

An Indigenous-led charitable organization.

Visit Legacy of Hope Foundation website.

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

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)

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

Programs, services, and activities to address the holistic needs of Métis people in Ontario at the provincial, regional, and local levels.

Visit the Métis Nation of Ontario

Resources

Videos

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.

First Nation in Saskatchewan has found 751 unmarked graves on former residential school site
- CBC News: The National - YouTube - June 24, 2021

'Our hearts are broken' Sen. McCallum delivers gut-wrenching speed on residential schools
- CTV News - June 1, 2021

Why Indigenous Guardians are so important! | Valerie Courtois
- Environment and Climate Change Canada - YouTube - July 24, 2020

Indigenous storytelling as a political lens | Tai Simpson | TEDxBoise
- Tedx Talks - YouTube - May 31, 2019

Canada's missing and murdered Indigenous women
- AJ+ - YouTube - October 16, 2018

Justice Murray Sinclair talks about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- Ottawa Citizen - YouTube - February 28, 2018

Namwayut: we are all one. Truth and reconciliation in Canada
- CBC News - YouTube - December 17, 2017

Senator Murray Sinclair: The truth is hard. Reconciliation is harder.
- Policyalternatives - YouTube - October 27, 2017

Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report
- CBC News: The National - YouTube - December 15, 2015

Films

CBC Gem - Everything Indigenous
- A collection of documentaries, interviews and dramas

National Film Board (NFB) of Canada – Indigenous Made Cinema
- A collection of Indigenous-made films from 1968-2021

Sites and links

Centre for First Nations Governance
- The only organization in Canada dedicated to transitioning First Nations from the Indian Act to their own concept of self-governance.

Residential Schools – Assembly of First Nations - It's Our Time Toolkit
- Learn about the history of residential school system, and it impacts on Indigenous people.

First Peoples of Canada Before Contact
- Resources and information about Canada's First Peoples.

Indigenous peoples - Canada.ca
- Find Government of Canada programs and services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Learn more about Indigenous peoples and communities.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
- In order to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation, read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action.
Indigenous Primary Health Care Council All Our Relations Toolkit

Learn about our shared history and take action

Invest time in the modules offered as part of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) It’s Our Time Toolkit. The AFN Toolkit 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.

View content available on the Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) YouTube Channel.

Participate in the 215 Pledge.

Learn about Truth and Reconciliation, and what Canadians are doing.

Learn what is and what is not Reconciliation.

Learn about Reconciliation and the 94 Calls to Action.

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

Thank you to the drummers, performers and participants and those who watched the live stream of the Orange Shirt Drum Circle on September 29.

Indigenous drum circle with regalia at the top the Regional Headquarters, orange Truth and Reconciliation tshirts

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.

Child Welfare (Actions 1 to 5)

1. We call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to commit to reducing the number of Aboriginal children in care by:

i. Monitoring and assessing neglect investigations.

ii. Providing adequate resources to enable Aboriginal communities and child-welfare organizations to keep Aboriginal families together where it is safe to do so, and to keep children in culturally appropriate environments, regardless of where they reside.

iii. Ensuring that social workers and others who conduct child-welfare investigations are properly educated and trained about the history and impacts of residential schools.

iv. Ensuring that social workers and others who conduct child-welfare investigations are properly educated and trained about the potential for Aboriginal communities and families to provide more appropriate solutions to family healing.

v. Requiring that all child-welfare decision makers consider the impact of the residential school experience on children and their caregivers.

2. We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with the provinces and territories, to prepare and publish annual reports on the number of Aboriginal children (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) who are in care, compared with non-Aboriginal children, as well as the reasons for apprehension, the total spending on preventive and care services by child-welfare agencies, and the effectiveness of various interventions.

3. We call upon all levels of government to fully implement Jordan’s Principle.

4. We call upon the federal government to enact Aboriginal child-welfare legislation that establishes national standards for Aboriginal child apprehension and custody cases and includes principles that:

i. Affirm the right of Aboriginal governments to establish and maintain their own child-welfare agencies.

ii. Require all child-welfare agencies and courts to take the residential school legacy into account in their decision making.

iii. Establish, as an important priority, a requirement that placements of Aboriginal children into temporary and permanent care be culturally appropriate.

5. We call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to develop culturally appropriate parenting programs for Aboriginal families.

Missing Children and Burial Information (Actions 71 to 73)

71. We call upon all chief coroners and provincial vital statistics agencies that have not provided to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada their records on the deaths of Aboriginal children in the care of residential school authorities to make these documents available to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

72. We call upon the federal government to allocate sufficient resources to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to allow it to develop and maintain the National Residential School Student Death Register established by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

73. We call upon the federal government to work with churches, Aboriginal communities, and former residential school students to establish and maintain an online registry of residential school cemeteries, including, where possible, plot maps showing the location of deceased residential school children.

Missing Children and Burial Information (Actions 74 to 76)

74. We call upon the federal government to work with the churches and Aboriginal community leaders to inform the families of children who died at residential schools of the child’s burial location, and to respond to families’ wishes for appropriate commemoration ceremonies and markers, and reburial in home communities where requested.

75.We call upon the federal government to work with provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, churches, Aboriginal communities, former residential school students, and current landowners to develop and implement strategies and procedures for the ongoing identification, documentation, maintenance, commemoration, and protection of residential school cemeteries or other sites at which residential school children were buried. This is to include the provision of appropriate memorial ceremonies and commemorative markers to honour the deceased children.

76. We call upon the parties engaged in the work of documenting, maintaining, commemorating, and protecting residential school cemeteries to adopt strategies in accordance with the following principles:

The Aboriginal community most affected shall lead the development of such strategies.
Information shall be sought from residential school Survivors and other Knowledge Keepers in the development of such strategies.
Aboriginal protocols shall be respected before any potentially invasive technical inspection and investigation of a cemetery site.

Learn more:

More Information and Resources

Culturally safe counseling and support resources for Indigenous peoples
- For immediate support, call the Residential School Survivors Helpline: 1-866-925-4419.
Videos
Films
Sites and Links
Learn about our shared history and take action

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.

Anti-Black Racism Town Hall and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Follow-Up report

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.

The purpose of this report is to outline the background, work in progress and recommended actions to address corporate and community concerns related to anti-Black racism and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Enclosed within this report are:

Background of the Region’s current initiatives related to equity, diversity and inclusion;.
Summary of the feedback received through the Regional Chair’s Anti-Black Racism Town Hall, August 6, 2020 and recommended actions.
Jurisdictional best practices of municipal approaches to diversity, equity and inclusion, including anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism.
Recommended deliverables for a Regional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion division.

Read the report

Anti-Black Racism Town Hall recordings

March 18, 2021

Make the Connection: Intention, Impact and Transformation Anti-Black Racism Town Hall

Durham Region residents were invited to to join the town hall discussion on how the Region can confront systemic anti-Black racism and journey towards organizational change, equity and inclusion.

Regional Chair and CEO John Henry and Durham Region’s Chief Administrative Officer Elaine Baxter-Trahair joined the town hall discussion with panelist and Durham Region’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Allison Hector-Alexander. The town hall included moderated panel discussions on key themes with guest facilitator and panelists:

Channon Oyeniran, Vice-President - Ontario Black History Society (facilitator)
Keishia Facey, RFWC Consulting
Eleanor McIntosh, Durham Black Educators’ Network
Nicole Perryman, Ifarada Institute, Kujenga Wellness Project
Dr. Joseph Smith, Operation Black Vote Canada, Generation Chosen

Watch the video

August 6, 2020

Durham Region's Anti-Black Racism Town Hall

Durham Region residents were invited to ask questions, listen in, and share stories/ideas about how the Region can address systemic anti-Black racism in our community at our virtual Anti-Black Racism Town Hall.

Watch the video

Video transcript

Town Hall information

Black History

In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month 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:

Plans, strategies and policies

Committees and working groups

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion News

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