Belonging Report
About Us
The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) was established in 1977 as a non-profit organization that has since gained charitable status. The organization promotes awareness that unity in diversity, full and active participation, unbiased inclusion, and the capacity to value differences equally are essential to the social, cultural, and economic growth of Halton Region. Membership is open to anyone who shares our interests and supports the objectives of the organization. There is also an opportunity for youth to get involved in a wide range of activities and programs.
2022 Belonging and Racial Identity in Halton
This report is a community-led project. It is a culmination of work by local community organizations, educational institutions, community members and students. It is a representation of both quantitative and qualitative data to better understand what can be done to better provide Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) members of the community with a greater sense of inclusion and belonging. Read the report here.
To support the findings in the report and present them in a way that is digestible, accompanying videos have been created that walk through areas such as Inclusivity in Education, Cultural Displays, Inclusivity in the Workplace, Healthcare, Rebuilding the Justice System and more. The videos also outline a number of recommendations and include Discussion Topics. To register for the videos, click here.
Four Pillars
Education
We work closely with the Halton Region schools to create a positive impact among the students who are directly engaged in our exhibits and programs throughout the year.
Culture
We established a steel band program that involves the broader community – people of all ages and backgrounds – and creates the opportunity to discover the joy of music in a unique way that is fun and easy to learn. Other programs include New Horizons for Seniors, Parang, Sizzlin’ Halton Caribbean Cooking, a library Reading Corner focusing on Black authors in Milton, and Black history bike and walking tours in Oakville.
Community
We participate in numerous community events including the Black History Month, Emancipation Day, Culture Days and the Carousel of Nations. The goal is to ensure that the larger community is aware that the Caribbean community is committed to contributing to the Halton community.
Harmony
We participate in and sponsor research studies that help provide insight and a better understanding of diversity in Halton Region. The CCAH also partners with the Halton Regional Police Service to enhance their community-based policing approach as well as co-deliver diversity and youth-focused programs.
These four core values are beautifully captured in local artist Beverly Tang-Kong’s painting entitled “The Spirit of Angels”. This artwork was incorporated into the CCAH logo. Many thanks to graphic designer Danielle Pitt for helping us to reflect this piece in our website.
Andrew Tyrrell – President
Sheldon Williams – Vice President
Richard Pinnock – Youth Leadership Programs
Katherine Dottin-Adams – Treasurer
Paula Simmons-Wint – Secretary
Pamela Chase – Member
Sergeant Ryan Smith – HRPS Community Liaison
Rajan Sandhu – Legal Counsel
Saud Juman – Member
Community Responses to Recommendations
In preparation for the release of the report, local community organizations directly impacted by the recommendations were invited to be part of the conversation and share their Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression responses and action plans. You can read those responses and action plans below.
Growing up Black in Oakville
The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton, Halton Multicultural Council and the Halton Social Planning Council were pleased to support this innovative exploration of black youth in our community. The research culminated into the 2003 report entitled, “Growing Up Black in Oakville: The Impact of Community on Identity Formation and Civic Participation.” This study grew out of concern about being diverse in Halton, and more particularly, in Oakville. Based in a community surrounding a large Canadian city, the study was unique. It represented a pioneering effort that would inform community, civil society and government as they moved to redefine the meaning of social inclusion in demographically diverse communities.
