ACTION TABLES
HEDR Action Tables have been established to address the ongoing lack of belonging experienced by Black, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities across Halton Region. Year after year, data from Halton Police continues to show a disproportionate number of hate-motivated incidents directed at these groups—underscoring the urgent need for dedicated spaces that foster learning, accountability, and action.
Each Action Table provides a structured, member-led forum for dialogue, strategy development, and collaborative problem-solving focused on equity and community safety. These groups also lead major annual initiatives, including the Black History Month event, the Truth & Reconciliation Summit, and the Pride in Equity Soirée.
BLACK & BROWN ACTION TABLE
The HEDR Black and Brown Action Table is a monthly meeting space dedicated to advancing equity, representation, and meaningful engagement with Black and Brown communities across Halton Region. Through dialogue, shared learning, and collective problem-solving, members explore issues affecting Black and Brown staff, residents, clients, and community partners while identifying opportunities to strengthen inclusion and address systemic barriers.
A key initiative of this Action Table is the planning and delivery of HEDR’s annual Black History Month event. This event highlights Black excellence, history, culture, and leadership, and creates opportunities for reflection, celebration, and education within our membership. Through this ongoing work, the Black Action Table demonstrates HEDR’s commitment to honouring Black communities and taking sustained, tangible action toward racial equity.
ABOUT GENNILE THOMAS SMITH
Gennile Thomas Smith is a respected community advocate, organizer, and equity leader in Halton Region. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Halton Black Voices (HBV), a grassroots organization dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and empowering spaces for Black residents and for Black and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Halton Hills.
Through HBV, Gennile leads initiatives that centre belonging, healing, and representation—ranging from youth leadership programs and community wellness activities to arts exhibitions, advocacy campaigns, and culturally grounded support networks. Her work addresses systemic inequities while building pathways for Black residents to thrive, connect, and influence change.
Gennile is known for her collaborative leadership and her ability to mobilize community partners, residents, and institutions toward more inclusive practices. Her commitment to justice and equity has earned her regional recognition, including the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Award at the Oakville Community Spirit Awards.
In addition to her work with HBV, Gennile serves in advisory and community engagement roles, contributing her expertise to strengthen representation, expand access, and foster meaningful dialogue throughout Halton. Her vision is rooted in collective empowerment—ensuring that Black voices are not only heard but amplified, supported, and celebrated.
PRIDE IN EQUITY ACTION TABLE
The HEDR Pride in Equity Action Table is a monthly gathering dedicated to strengthening inclusion, visibility, and equity for LGBTQ2S+ communities across our membership and the wider Halton community. Guided by open dialogue and shared learning, the Action Table explores emerging issues, identifies barriers, and develops strategies to better support 2SLGBTQ+ residents, staff, clients, and community partners.
In addition to its year-round learning and advocacy focus, the Pride in Equity Action Table now leads the planning and delivery of HEDR’s annual Pride in Equity Soirée, held each Pride Season. This flagship celebration honours the contributions of LGBTQ2S+ artists, leaders, and community members while providing a vibrant space for connection, culture, and pride. Through this work, the Action Table demonstrates a continued commitment to uplifting LGBTQ2S+ voices and advancing equity in meaningful, community-rooted ways.
TRUTH & RECONCILIATION ACTION TABLE
The HEDR Truth & Reconciliation Action Table is a monthly meeting facilitated by Doran Ritchie, bringing members together to deepen their understanding of Truth and Reconciliation and to explore practical ways to advance meaningful change. Each session focuses on strategies to educate our membership on the history, realities, and ongoing impacts of colonialism, while building the skills and knowledge needed to support reconciliation in our organizations and communities.
This Action Table is grounded in a core belief: commitment requires action. Over the course of these monthly discussions, participants will work collaboratively toward the design of HEDR’s Truth & Reconciliation Summit. This culminating event will reflect the learning, priorities, and shared commitments identified throughout the year, moving us from truth to action and demonstrating HEDR’s dedication to advancing reconciliation in tangible, community-centred ways.
ABOUT DORAN RITCHIE
Doran, a respected leader from the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, is recognized for his expertise in Indigenous governance, environmental advocacy, wildlife management, and Indigenous rights strategy. As Manager of the Network, he brings a vision grounded in shared responsibility, land-based knowledge, and co-governance. For decades, Doran has championed cultural integrity, environmental justice, and the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous voices in local, provincial, and national policy.
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