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February is Black History Month. This year, we invite our staff and community to join us in honouring the history, achievements, and lasting contributions of Black communities across Canada.
This year’s theme is ‘Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations: From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.` This theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada and recognizes the leadership, creativity, innovation, and resilience of Black Canadians who have shaped our past, influence our present, and inspire our future.
Throughout February, Canadians are encouraged to learn about and celebrate the rich diversity and accomplishments of Black Canadians nationwide. Locally, many events will focus on learning, sharing, and celebrating these contributions.
Black History Month is also a time to reflect on Canada’s painful history and the systemic barriers that Black communities continue to face, including anti‑Black racism and discrimination. It’s an opportunity to reaffirm our shared responsibility to work toward meaningful change.
We will be gathering with our staff and the youth we serve to highlight voices from within the Black community — creating space to reflect, learn, and celebrate together. We’ll also take time to consider the impact of the child welfare system on Black families and the steps we must take to do better.
Join us as we honour the past and continue working toward a future rooted in equity, empowerment, and community strength.

#BHM #BHM2026 #BlackHistoryMonth #DurhamRegion #BlackExcellence #ChildWelfare #HonouringBlackBrilliance #BlackLeaders

Today is World Hijab Day. This day was designated in 2013 by advocate Nazma Khan to build understanding about the hijab, combat anti-Muslim bias, and support the rights of Muslim women who choose to wear – or not wear – a headscarf. This is a time for everyone to learn about the religious, cultural, and personal importance of the hijab and confront stereotyping and harassment.

Freedom of religion and equitable treatment are protected rights. This day is a reminder that we must accommodate sincerely held religious practices and create an environment free from discrimination and Islamophobia. People who wear a hijab often experience microaggressions: pressure to remove it or unwanted touching. Supporting those who wear a hijab is a visible signal of inclusion and respect for our diverse communities, and our commitment to human rights.

https://worldhijabday.com/
#WorldHijabDay #WHD #EDI #Inclusion #ReligiousFreedom #HijabAwareness #Hijab #InclusionMatters

We appreciate the more than 180 child welfare professionals, privacy professionals, and attendees who participated in the second annual York Region CAS and Durham CAS Privacy Symposium.

The day highlighted that privacy in child welfare is about more than compliance — it’s relational, personal, and rooted in respect. Behind every data point is a child, a family, and a community, and with that comes a profound responsibility to uphold their trust.

With themes of accountability, transparency, and consultation, we deepened our shared commitment to honouring the children, youth, families, and communities whose data we hold.

A heartfelt thank‑you to everyone who attended, presented, facilitated discussions, or supported the planning of this year’s symposium. Your engagement, insights, and collaboration made the day truly meaningful.

We’re grateful for our continued partnership with York Region CAS and proud of the thoughtful dialogue, learning, and collaboration that defined this year’s Safeguarding Futures symposium.

#Privacy #ChildWelfare #DataPrivacyWeek #DurhamCAS

We had the honour of formally welcoming our two newest partners as they join us in the community hub. The hub is an ongoing initiative with the goal of creating a collaborative and seamless approach to services for families. We now share the building with six other service providers.

Our most recent partners are TNO (The Neighbourhood Organization) and Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services. It was an immense pleasure to greet, share, learn and laugh with the leaders and staff of all our hub partners.

We`d like to thank Amber Crowe, ED of Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services and Nawal Al-Busaidi, Vice President Community Porgrams, TNO for joining us and sharing such inspiring word as we move forward together with our vision of seamless and supportive services for families.

Thank you also to Daffyd Roderick, Director, Government, Strategic Relations and Public
Affairs of OACAS for joining us for this great day.

@oacas

Miigwetch to all who participated in this wonderful welcome event.

#Collaboration #FamilyServices #ChildWelfare #ChildWellbeing #Binnoojiiyag #DurhamRegion #CommunityHub #ChildAndFamily #CommunityPartners #IndigenousPartnerships

There is an urgent need for foster caregivers in Durham Region.
Our next info session is next Tuesday at our office! Join us ot learn how you can help. Contact us at foster@durhamcas.ca
Even if fostering isn`t right for you right now, you can help by sharing this information with your friends, familiy and colleagues.
#fostercare #fostercare #durhamregion

January 27 marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a time to honour the six million Jews and countless other victims murdered during the Holocaust. This day calls on all of us to confront the legacy of this atrocity with honesty, responsibility, and unwavering commitment.
The Holocaust reshaped the world, leaving deep trauma in the countries where these crimes were committed and beyond. Today, we share a collective duty to preserve memory, support survivors, and strengthen education and documentation.
As antisemitism, racism and hate speech rise globally, remembrance is not enough; we must actively counter intolerance in all its forms. Education is one of our most powerful tools to build resilience against hatred, deepen understanding, and prevent future atrocities.
On this day, we honour the victims, uplift the voices of survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to human rights, dignity, and truth. By learning from the past and standing firmly against hatred, we help ensure that ‘never again’ is not just a promise, but a shared responsibility.

#HolocaustRemembranceDay

Due to the weather conditions, our office building is closed on Monday, Jan. 26. Our services will continue via phone, email, and other virtual channels. The safety of our staff and visitors is our top priority. You can reach us 905-433-1551.

Due to the weather conditions, our office building is closed today (Thus., Jan 15). Our services will continue via phone, email, and other virtual channels. The safety of our staff and visitors is our top priority. You can reach us 905-433-1551.

January is Tamil Heritage Month. This is a time for learning, celebration, and community pride. Throughout January, Canadians come together to honour the rich history, culture, and contributions of Tamil Canadians. This year’s theme is ‘Our Land, Our Roots,’ a reminder of the deep heritage and enduring resilience of the Tamil community.

Across the country events highlight Tamil arts, history, and community leadership, with a special focus on empowering youth with creative careers, and leadership development. On January 14, communities will also celebrate Pongal, the traditional Tamil harvest festival symbolizing gratitude, prosperity, and renewal.

Learn more https://tamilheritagemonth.com/

#TamilHeritageMonth #Tamil #Pongal

Warm wishes to all celebrating Orthodox Christmas!
Observed by many communities following the Julian calendar, this day is rich with traditions that vary across cultures and families—often centered on togetherness, reflection, and community. May peace and joy fill your celebrations today and always.
#OrthodoxChristmas #Community #Togetherness

Today we honour National Ribbon Skirt Day, a celebration of Indigenous identity, resilience, and cultural pride. The ribbon skirt is a powerful symbol of strength and tradition. Join us in recognizing this important day and standing in solidarity with Indigenous communities. #RibbonSkirtDay #IndigenousCulture #January4