Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Since 2017, the Multicultural Festival has been an annual event hosted by Pembroke Public Library. A celebration of diverse cultural food, entertainment and traditions, the event is an occasion for small business owners, newcomers, and the community to donate their best dishes, display their cultures, and make lasting connections.

Each June, Pembroke Pride hosts Pride festivities celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ pride, with parties, games, music, a walk, and more throughout the week.

Each year, Pikwakanagan welcomes hundreds of dancers, numerous drum groups, and thousands of spectators to celebrate Algonquin culture at their traditional pow wow. It is held on the third weekend in August.

Visitors are attracted to their dance, songs, drumming, and experiencing an Algonquin cultural tradition. There is also opportunity to view and purchase unique items at vendors selling jewelry, crafts, art, clothing, beadwork, leather purses, regalia, drums, CDs, dreamcatchers, moccasins, and more, plus many food vendors.

The Centre on Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) is dedicated to examining the barriers and challenges to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. This work is critical to making sure our policies, programs and services are sensitive to the needs of all people of Canada.

Learn more on the CDI's website.

• Black Business and Professional Association
  
• Black Entrepreneurship Program
  
• Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
• Afrobiz (directory of Black-owned businesses and Black entrepreneurs)
• We Buy Black (online marketplace)
• Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce
• Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
• Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative
• Black Opportunity Fund
• BlackNorth Initiative
• bdc Black Entrepreneur Resources
• Canada LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce
• Indigenous Entrepreneur Guide to Starting a Business
  
• Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan
• Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program
• National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA)
• Pow Wow Pitch
• Pride at Work
• RBC Black Entrepreneur Program
• Venture Out

Full resources for Indigenous peoples in a variety of fields, including business, culture, education, healthcare, and more are available on our Indigenous Resources page.

As a leader, you are in a unique position to shape your organization and build a stronger public service. You can demonstrate your commitment to workplace equity and values around diversity and inclusion by using the anti-racist tools and practices available to you and by applying the principles of gender-based analysis plus, positive spaces, and accessibility.

Learn more on the Canada School of Public Service's website.

Read Duane's column on reconciliation and his thoughts on living in the Ottawa Valley as a Tlingit/Acadian from Yukon.

Read Jodi's column on positive changes coming to the Ottawa Valley, including immigration and a diversifying population.

Read Suli's column on isolation felt by newcomers as they integrate into a new home, place, and culture.

Read Garland's column on facing and challenging racism as a Canadian born to Asian immigrant parents.

Read Suli's column reflecting on her grandparents and the sacrifices they made for their families.

Read Jodi's column on the importance of immigration for our communities.

Read Suli's column reflecting on her Asian heritage and east African roots now living in Canada.

Read Aimee's column detailing the reasoning and preparation behind an Indigenous smudging ceremony.

The Circle of Turtle Lodge is an off-reserve registered charity established in 1999 to restore, preserve, and protect Indigenous culture and traditions. On their website, you can learn more about their objectives, join their community, or purchase literature to help fund programming.

The Ottawa Valley Against Racial Discrimination Facebook group is available for individuals to learn and discuss with others and form new connections within the community who seek to help BIPOC residents live here free from racial discrimination.

Pembroke Pride is anon-religious, non-partisan group which advocates for change through fun and inspiring topics in the community to support LGBTQ2S+ people. More information can be found on their website or on their Facebook page.

Pflag is an organization founded by parents who wished to help themselves and their family members understand and accept their LGBTQ2S+ children. In Renfrew County, Pflag has advocated for Pride flag raisings across the county, hosted book readings and film nights, and delivered dozens of presentations to schools and community groups on how to create safe and inclusive spaces for people who are LGBTQ2S.