Welcome to the February 2022 edition of our newsletter celebrating Black History.
In Canada, February is a federally recognized Black History month. I was very much interested to read the Prime Minister’s statement issued on this occasion. The richness of our country’s history will probably never cease to amaze me. There is still so much to learn, so much to acknowledge, so much to honour.
If you have resources on Black History Month that you would like to share with our Early Years Community please send them my way.
On a personal note, I would like to share with you a photo that I took on a day of my son’s birthday party, which you can see took place outdoors this year. It does not get much more Canadian than that, I think! Do you have any photos of winter wonderland that you took and would like to share with us? If so, please send them my way. Thank you.
Stay in touch,
Baa Maa Pii Gaawaabmin (I’ll See You Later)
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Kasia Oxley, Children’s Services Community Facilitator, Children’s Programs and Services
Work Cell: (705) 644-1533
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Please note that the information contained in this newsletter is intended to encourage conversation and self-reflection and is not to be considered as advice. |
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February is Black History Month – Government of Canada Resources
Time commitment: depends on level of exploration
Areas of interest: Black history month toolkit, Black history, notable Black Canadians, educational resources
Format: website
Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.
The 2022 theme for Black History Month is: “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day,” which focuses on recognizing the daily contributions that Black Canadians make to Canada.
No matter where you live, we invite all Canadians to learn more about these communities, and how they continue to help shape the story of Canada.
Black History Month virtual celebration — February 17, 2022
Tune in to the Black History Month virtual celebration on Facebook Live at 7 pm (ET), February 17, 2022. This live virtual event highlighting this year’s theme will feature performances, tributes, interviews and much more! |
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Celebrating Black History Month
Time commitment: depends on level of exploration
Areas of interest: African American history and culture, poetry, educational resources
Format: website
Poems, articles, and podcasts that explore African American history and culture.
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The Black Experience Project
Time commitment: depends on level of exploration
Areas of interest: lived experience/stories of self-identified Black and/or African heritage individuals living in GTA
Format: website
The Black Experience Project (BEP) is a seminal research study focused on examining the lived experiences of individuals who self-identify as Black and/or of African heritage living in the Greater Toronto Area.
Launched in 2010, the Black Experience Project (BEP) is a seminal research study focused on examining the lived experiences of individuals who self-identify as Black and/or of African heritage living in the Greater Toronto Area, or GTA (the Regions of Toronto, York, Durham, Peel and Haltom). Led by the Environics Institute for Survey Research, along with lead partners the United Way of Toronto and York Region, the YMCA of the Greater Toronto Area, and Ryerson’s Diversity Institute, this study aims to provide a better understanding of the lives of Black individuals within the GTA, including the factors leading to their successes and challenges.
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Practice Guidelines: Diversity and Culture – College of Early Childhood Educators
Time commitment: 45 minutes
Areas of interest: Inclusion, Diversity, Ethics, Culture, CECE
Format: pdf
Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) respond to the uniqueness of individuals and groups of children. They identify appropriate strategies, access the necessary resources and design curriculum to ensure full participation of all children, taking into account ability, cultural and linguistic diversity and Indigenous identity. They provide all children with opportunities for engagement, exploration and expression. - Standard II: C.4, Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, 2017
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Black History Month in Canada
Time commitment: depends on level of exploration
Areas of interest: portraits of Black Canadians, Black History
Format: website
Radio-Canada marks Black History Month with a varied program on all platforms.
This site includes exclusive content and recent archives on the realities facing our black fellow citizens.
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Please write to Kasia to let her know your thoughts on Black History Month or any other topic for a chance to win a resource of your choice (value of up to $50)
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EARLY YEARS PROFESSIONALS IN MUSKOKA |
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What is your current job, and how did you arrive at it, in other words why do you do what you do?
My current job is with Community Living Huntsville as a Resource Consultant, and I have been at this job for almost 4 years. Previously an Educational Assistant/DECE for Trillium Lakeland District School Board, and Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, I came across this position when looking to expand my interest in early child development. In my current position as a Resource Consultant, we focus on developing resources, and providing early intervention services with children ages 18 months-6 years. We work very closely to our community partners across the District of Muskoka and provide them with quality programing.
Without disclosing confidential information, please tell me how your involvement within the early years profession created a better outcome for a child/family.
I alongside EarlyON Centers and provide recommendations to promote inclusive programming for our kiddos. I also have been a guest speaker for a variety of topics in person and virtually. Our Resource Consultant Team has also supported the Get Ready for Kindergarten Program provided by the EarlyON Team.
What's most challenging about the work you do?
The most challenging thing about the work I do right now is trying to provide quality programming and support through the virtual world. With COVID-19 being our new reality, connecting with our families and children we work with has been more challenging than ever.
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What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking my favourite meals, baking sweet treats, spending time with my family, and spending time outside.
What book/resource could you recommend to our readers?
A book/resource I could recommend is a new find, and it is called “The Desire Map” By: Danielle LaPorte. This resource is all about creating goals that are good for your soul. During recent lockdowns, I have made it my ultimate goal to work on self-care and future planning.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Be like a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside”
Who inspires you and why?
The people who inspire me most are the beautiful, caring women who raised me. My mother Jenn and Grandmother Nancy. These two women have taught me how to be the best version of myself and to lead with love. These women also taught me the importance of resiliency throughout their own experiences and I have guided me to where I am today. I owe the world to these two amazingly strong women.
In the last couple of years, what new belief, behavior, or habit, or item, has most improved your life?
In the last couple of years, a new habit that I believe has improved immensely (but still needs some work) is the ability to practice self-care. With being on lockdown from or “normal” lives, it has been so important for my mental health and everyday life.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
Advice I would give my teenage self would be to not sweat the small stuff and to live my life not worrying about what people thought. When I was younger, I definitely let others affect some decisions, and took everything to heart. To my teenage self, you’re a strong, kind women who is going to do great things in life! Keep your head up, keep those kind, supportive people in your life corner, and do great things!
What would you take with you to a desert island?
If I were to go to a desert island, I would definitely bring my iPhone. I never go anywhere without it. I could also then call my friends/family to join me, and order myself some yummy food.
Anything else that you would like to share?
Working with all of the amazing partners through the District of Muskoka is such an amazing experience and I am very grateful to work and make a difference in our community.
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Which book, by a black author, would you suggest Muskoka Early Years Book Club chooses for the fall 2022 session?
January 2022 Poll winner:
Amanda Ash
Congratulations Amanda!
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For a chance to win a resource of your choice (value of up to $50), please submit a reflection of yours to Kasia on a topic of your choice that you would like to be considered for publication in one of the upcoming newsletter editions.
Your submission does not have to be in a form of an essay, other forms of expression are welcome, such as: poetry, video footage, note, opinion piece, interview, photos accompanied by a short text, review, etc.
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