DEI Resources & Community Partners

To be an equitable and inclusive organization through the use of an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, intersectional approach that is trauma-informed, heading-centred, sage, responsive and affirming, our agency is working hard to prepare and compile a list of resources for our staff and the public.

As the child welfare sector, we know there is an over representation of Black and Indigenous children in care and a disparity in service. It is our commitment that service delivery ensures that children, youth and families with diverse identities are aware of, and have access to, diverse community services and resources that will support their intersecting needs and identities. Below is a list of some of our available resources, as well as organizations to know and support in the community.

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Resources

Our Approach towards Equitable Outcomes

Additional events and resources

Black History Month

Each year, we are recognizing the importance of Black History Month.

The child welfare and children’s mental health sectors have prioritized the need to develop equity-based approaches to services by building a foundation which is anti-racist, trauma informed and healing centered. This framework for services can only be achieved through changes in our agency culture, practice, systems, structures and by building alliances with the community.

We know that the child welfare sector has an overrepresentation of Black children and families receiving service. Eliminating disproportionality and disparity in outcomes for Black children and youth is our goal. We have made notable progress in working to better serve Black families through the work of the One Vision One Voice committee and through the tireless work and commitment of our Afri-CAN Carib Connexions staff group, however we are aware that we have a long way to go. In children and youth mental health we have heard the voices of Black and Indigenous youth in the report released last week and we must bring their recommendations to action.

We hope you will join in the celebration of Black history every day.

Black History Month events 2026

See here for a list of 2026 events in Simcoe County

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Month

Orillia Public Library: Check out a host of cultural exhibits at the Orillia Library in celebration of Black History Month organized by the Orillia & Area Black Community Association.

Blacks For All Races – First Floor Gallery (Barrie City Hall) – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Blacks For All Races is an exhibit featuring the work of Orlena Broomes, Jamar McLean and Victoria Ezeokoli. This exhibition reflects BFAR’s ongoing commitment to celebrating creativity, amplifying diverse voices, and ensuring that Black art and storytelling are visible within prominent civic spaces. Visit bfar.ca to learn more.

Feb 12 – 12-1:30pm

The Hidden Cost of Care: Racism and Inclusion in Healthcare Workplaces – MacLaren Art Centre

Making Change, a Black-led non-profit organization, is hosting a free public panel discussion on racism in healthcare workplaces and its impact on both workers and patients. Panellists include Dr. Claudine Cousins, CEO of Empower Simcoe; Dr. Michelle Quaye, public health physician with Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit; and Debbie Opoku-Mulder, registered psychotherapist and mental health advocate. Register here.

Thursday, Feb. 19 – 3-4 p.m

Channon Oyeniran: History Month Lecture Series – Virtual (Simcoe County Museum)

Channon Oyeniran, a passionate historian and advocate for Black Canadian heritage offers an insightful overview of early Black settlements, the individuals who built them, and the communities that flourished across Canada.

Saturday, Feb. 21 – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Afro-Fusion Pop-Up Market – Orillia Waterfront Centre

Check out a host of local vendors at the Afro-Fusion Pop-Up Market organized by the Orillia & Area Black Community Association.

Tuesday, Feb. 24 – 3-4 p.m.

Natasha Henry-Dixon: History Month Lecture Series – Virtual (Simcoe County Museum)

Join Natasha Henry-Dixon and learn about George Martin, one of the few Black people enslaved in Upper Canada as a child, who gained his freedom. This talk traces his story and highlights the process of piecing together archival fragments to genealogically reconstruct his narrative.

Feb. 25 – 1-3 p.m., 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Celebrating African Cuisine – Collingwood Youth Centre

Join the Collingwood Youth Centre for a cooking demonstration celebrating the vibrant flavours of African cuisine, led by Chef Patience, a chef originally from Zimbabwe. A cooking demo, paired with storytelling, tasting samples, and an opportunity to ask questions and engage. Sample items will include African doughnuts, fried plantain, African sausage (boerewors), sadza, and chakalaka — a delicious, spicy African relish.

Feb. 28 – 10am-3pm

Black Cultural Expo – Innisfil ideaLAB & Library

Food & Craft vendors, family fun, pan-African fashion show, impactful speakers and music

Feb. 28 – 5:30-10:30 pm

Parents Against Racism Simcoe County – 3rd Annual Black History Month Gala – Southshore Community Centre

Join for an unforgettable evening celebrating Black talent, excellence, and culture. This year’s gala will feature dynamic dance performances, moving spoken word, and a live singer, all spotlighting the creativity and brilliance within the Black community.

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Other events:

Making changes: Visit Making Changes’ website for more events

Other resources