Leadership Blog: Igniting Inclusion – Honouring Pride and National Indigenous History Month

By Jill Tettmann, President & CEO, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

At the YMCA, inclusion is not just a value on paper – it is a way of being. As we move through June, a month that holds deep meaning for many, we are taking time to reflect on the importance of creating welcoming, accessible spaces where everyone feels they belong.

June marks both Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month, two opportunities to celebrate resilience, identity, and community. They also invite us to deepen our understanding of the barriers that still exist – and the work we must continue doing to create an inclusive, equitable world. This work is especially important during Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month, but it does not begin and end in June. These moments serve as milestones, helping us stay grounded in our responsibility to grow, learn, and support one another all year long.

This month, we are proud to share some of the ways our YMCA is taking steps forward on this journey – honouring Indigenous voices, supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and fostering spaces where everyone, from every background and despite any circumstance, can show up fully as themselves and unlock their full potential to shine.

Our Commitment to DEIB

Creating a truly inclusive community starts with intentional action – and that begins within. This year, we launched a DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Committee at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka to guide our efforts in fostering belonging for everyone, both in our operations and across the broader community. The committee includes 14 dedicated staff members from across departments and backgrounds; all focused on one central question: How do we help all participants of our community feel they belong at our Y?

Currently, the group is focusing on three key areas:

• Training & Education
• Inclusive Retention
• Demographic Analysis

These efforts are already making an impact. In May, 125 YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka leaders took part in DEIB training focused on unconscious bias, microaggressions, and belonging. And on June 17, Dr. Andrew Campbell led a session on Diversity and Leadership as part of our Leadership Development Program. We are also gathering valuable insights to help guide us on our journey moving forward. For the first time, demographic questions were added to our Staff Wellness Survey to better understand and support our team’s diverse experiences. Fostering inclusion is an ongoing journey – one that takes patience, listening, and heart. Through the work of this committee, we are taking meaningful steps Forward, Together.

Spotlight: Elder in-Residence Program at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana

At camp, we have a unique opportunity to shape the next generation – helping young people find independence, build lifelong friendships, and discover their strengths. It is also a place where learning goes far beyond activities and cabins. This summer, we are honoured to launch a new Elder in-Residence program at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana, part of our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and helping young people learn about the land they are on. We are partnering with Elder Trish Monague, who will spend time at camp throughout the season – sharing Indigenous teachings, guiding ceremonies, and creating space for reflection and connection. Her presence offers campers and staff a meaningful opportunity to learn from Indigenous ways of knowing and deepen their understanding of community and belonging. In May, Trish joined us for a Lifting of the Water Ceremony, gathering with staff from Camp Kitchikewana, YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth, and Parks Canada. Together, we made offerings to the water – wild rice, corn, berries, and smoked fish – as part of a feast bundle. Trish will return for staff training and several camper sessions this summer. This is just the beginning of a meaningful partnership – one rooted in respect, storytelling, and shared learning.

Bringing Inclusion to Life Through Storytelling

At the YMCA, we know that stories are at the heart of inclusion. They help us see through someone else’s eyes and remind us of our shared humanity. Earlier this year, we produced a short video exploring the YMCA’s value of inclusiveness. In it, we share what it means to truly feel welcomed and accepted. When we elevate diverse voices and create spaces where everyone can show up authentically, we move closer to the kind of community we strive to be – one where difference is not just tolerated, but celebrated.

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is proud to be a part of a community that continues to listen, learn, and evolve. As we honour Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month, let’s also recommit to doing the work every day: checking our assumptions, opening our hearts, remaining open to feedback, and making room for everyone to ignite their full potential.

Know that at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, you belong. Always.