Celebrate: Honouring Diversity and Belonging at BCHS

Black History Month (BHM) is a time for both celebration and education - dedicated to recognizing the incredible achievements of the Black community and celebrating its profound impact on society including in our health care system.

As an organization, BCHS will continue to address the challenges faced by the Black community and work towards equity. Our success relies on the diverse perspectives and contributions of our Black colleagues.

How We Celebrated:

• Socacize Dance Class: On February 6, we hosted a socacize dance class with AIM Studios.
• Black History Month Cultural Fair: On February 26, we hosted our first ever Black History Month Cultural Fair. This event included local vendors sharing a variety of black cultures, a live west African drum and dancer performance along with a panel discussion focusing on black health in Canada.
• Jamaican patties and Caribbean-inspired meals were available for purchase in the cafeteria throughout the month.
• Cultural snacks were featured on the Wellness Wagon.
• I Belong Features: Our "I Belong" campaign launched by spotlighting 4 features as part of BHM recognition.
  • Lebené Numekevor: Leaving a Legacy of Leadership
  • Audrey Zheke: The Impact of Being Seen and Heard
  • Sandra Nimusiima-Kikulwe: Answering the Call - From Volunteer to Frontline Worker
  • Matthew Mutamiri: A Change Practitioner - Believing in the Power of Action

• Launched our Black Resource Group (RG).

2024

In February 2024, we celebrated Black History Month (BHM) for the third time at BCHS. It was a time to honour the significant contributions of the Black community and reflect on the theme, “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; Future to Build.” This theme encouraged us to acknowledge both the rich history and the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive future. Black History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and achievements of the Black community. At BCHS, we are proud of our Black colleagues, whose contributions play a vital role in fostering inclusivity and driving positive change. How We Celebrated: Movie Day: On February 9, we showcased films featuring Black actors and storylines and offered cultural snacks from the Black diaspora. Lunch Orders: On February 16, we supported a local Black-owned business by providing staff with the opportunity to purchase lunch orders. BHM Panel: On February 23, we hosted a celebration event in the Brantford General Hospital (BGH) Cafeteria with a live discussion on the barriers faced by Black employees and patients, as well as systemic issues. The event was followed by coffee, tea, and snacks from a local Black-owned business. We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate and learn together, and we look forward to continuing this important tradition in the years ahead.

In March, we celebrated Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims around the world. Throughout Ramadan, Muslims fasted from sunrise to sunset, refraining from food, water, and indulgences. The fast is traditionally broken with iftar at sunset, often beginning with dates and water. At BCHS, we were proud to support our colleagues and patients during this important time.

How We Celebrated and Supported the Community:

• We updated our Ramadan guide and resources to assist patients and colleagues observing the fast.
• We created a temporary prayer space.
• Iftar Dinner: On March 18th, nearly 100 attendees gathered at Brantford General Hospital for our 2nd annual Iftar Dinner — a special meal observed by Muslims at sundown to break their daily fast during Ramadan. Hosted by the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation, the evening featured meaningful remarks from leaders across the Brant Community Healthcare System, the BCHS Foundation, and local dignitaries.
• Cultural snacks were featured on the Wellness Wagon.
• I Belong Features: We spotlighted 2 BCHS employees and 1 Patient and Family Advisor as part of our "I Belong" campaign.

  • Waqas Sajid – The Power of Belonging in the Workplace

  • Nazia Zeb - Navigating Multiple Identities to Foster Equity

  • Arooj Shaikh: Rooted in Faith, Driven by Purpose

2024

How We Celebrated and Supported the Community: Guidance for Patients and Colleagues: We provided resources and a helpful guide to assist patients and colleagues observing the fast, ensuring that their needs were met with respect and understanding during this period. Inaugural Iftar Dinner: On March 20, 2024, we hosted our first-ever Iftar Dinner at BCHS, a special event organized by the BCHS Foundation. The dinner brought together our Muslim colleagues, community members, and allies to share the experience of breaking the fast in unity. The evening included a meal, heartfelt conversations, and a chance to connect with one another.

• I Belong Feature: Aleks Ljubinkovic – Rooted in Two Worlds
• Included an Easter greeting in thePulse newsletter on April 14.

• I Belong Feature: Kiran Mann: Sikh Identity at the Core

• Included a Vaisakhi Greeting in thePulse newsletter on April 14.

In May 2025, we came together to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month and Asian Heritage Month through a variety of exciting activities that honoured these vibrant cultures!

Here’s how we celebrated:

• I Belong Feature: Kourtney Reich: Respecting What Was, Creating What Will Be
• Tai Chi Class: On May 22, the Canadian Tai Chi Academy taught staff the art of gentle exercise and meditation known as Tai Chi.
• Bollywood Dance Lesson: Back by popular demand, on May 28, from 12-1pm, we hosted a lively Bollywood Dance lesson with AIM Dance Studio.
• The BGH Terrace Bistro featured a variety of delicious South Asian and Asian cuisines.
• Wellness Wagon: Our Wellness Wagon featured South Asian and Asian snacks for everyone to enjoy, giving us all a chance to indulge in some delicious treats.

• I Belong Feature: Lisa Reeder: Building a Life in Brantford

• Included a Polish Heritage Month notice in thePulse newsletter on April 28.

In June, BCHS celebrates Pride Month, honouring the journey for equal rights of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, which includes Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Pride Month is a time to reflect on the progress made while recognizing the challenges the 2SLGBTQIA+ community still faces.

At BCHS, we are committed to human dignity and inclusivity, striving to be a place where everyone is welcomed, celebrated, and supported.

This year, we are pleased to participate in the following events:

• Re-established the 2SLGBTQIA+ Resource Group
• Pride at the Willett: Staff from the 2SLGBTQIA+ Resource Group will be at the Willett on June 11 to connect with anyone interested in learning more or joining the group.
• Symposium & Panel Discussion: On June 12, we invited local vendors, art features, and panelists to discuss and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
• Pride T-shirt day: T-shirts were available for sale through Brantford Pride, and on Friday, June 13, TeamBCHS are encouraged to wear their pride and show their support!
• Pride Fair: As part of our community outreach efforts, BCHS will be attending the Pride Fair on June 14. Come visit our BCHS tent and help us represent the hospital with pride.
• I Belong Feature: Stay tuned.
• The pride flag was raised at both the BGH and The Willett sites.

This National Day of Recognition is an opportunity to join Indigenous peoples in reflection and celebration and for us to all deepen our understanding and awareness of the adversities Indigenous communities face and have overcome.

We continue the work of building relationships with Indigenous communities, developing strong partnerships and a culturally safe environment. Recognizing that we have more work to do, we remain committed to further strengthening these relationships and deepening our engagement with Indigenous communities.

On Thursday, June 27, 2024, we hosted an Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration in the BGH Cafeteria, featuring a vendor fair, performers, and speakers.

Learn more about our efforts to enhance Indigenous health and well-being.

In October 2024, we were thrilled to celebrate Diwali at BCHS, a festival symbolizing new beginnings, the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness. It was a wonderful opportunity to embrace our community's diversity and share these meaningful traditions.

Here’s how we celebrated:

• Wellness Wagon: On October 29, we offered a selection of South Asian snacks for everyone to enjoy.
• Diwali Celebration: On October 30, we hosted our first-ever Diwali Celebration in the BGH Cafeteria, featuring traditional dance performances and delicious Indian snacks provided by Rangoli Restaurant. We also lit diyas to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
• Diwali Gala: The BCHS Foundation hosted the inaugural Diwali Gala, celebrating the festival and supporting a great cause.

At BCHS, we embrace the diversity of the holiday season (Christmas, Kwanzaa, Yule, among others) recognizing and honouring the various traditions and celebrations that take place in December. We create a welcoming atmosphere for all by decorating our spaces, hosting staff holiday meals, and organizing our 5 Days of Giving initiative. Additionally, we partner with our local Christmas Angels Program to bring joy and support to those in need. Through these activities, we celebrate the spirit of togetherness, generosity, and inclusivity that defines the holiday season for our entire community.