African-Canadian Black History Month

Every year, Canadians are invited to participate in African-Canadian Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of African-Canadians, past and present. Canadians take this time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Canadians with African heritage who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we know today. It is also an opportunity for all of us to learn about the wide range of African-Canadian experiences, including dealing with racism, and the vital role this community has played throughout our shared history.

The 2023 theme for African-Canadian Black History Month is: “Ours to Tell”

This theme represents both an opportunity to engage in open dialogue and a commitment to learning more about the stories Black communities in Canada have to tell about their histories, successes, sacrifices and triumphs.

No matter where you live, we invite all Canadians to learn more about these communities, and how they continue to help shape Canadian history.

To learn more about this campaign, view videos and download the poster, click the button below.

Learn More

Black History Month becomes

African-Canadian Black History Month

The Saskatchewan African-Canadian Heritage Museum (SACHM) has been one of the provincial leaders in promoting the importance of the historical and current contributions of people of African descent in the province. After years of reflecting and studying, this year they have chosen to change the title of the month to African-Canadian Black History Month. This is meant to align with the 1978 UNESCO Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice, which clarified that genetics do not support human racial classifications; however, race as a social, political and economic construct remains a reality that results in persisting racial discrimination, violation of human rights and social injustices. The new title is meant to be inclusive of all people of African descent. MCoS applauds the efforts of the many organizations and individuals who work on cultural continuity, who share their cultures at celebrations of diversity, who expose the cost of racism and how we can go beyond it, who reach out to build intercultural connections within and beyond the African-Canadian community, and who contribute to social cohesion in all communities in Saskatchewan in so many ways.

Learn more at UNESCO.org

2023 Events

Truly Alive Youth and Family Foundation Inc. (TAYFF) – Celebrating Black Excellence in Saskatoon: The details for multiple events taking place throughout February can be found HERE

The Mackenzie Art Gallery and the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum Inc have partnered for the launch of African-Canadian Black History Month: This even will include greetings from community representatives, followed by a film screening – John Ware Reclaimed. This film follows filmmaker Cheryl Foggo on her quest to re-examine the mythology surrounding John Ware, the Black cowboy who settled in Alberta, Canada, before the turn of the 20th century. Foggo’s research uncovers who this iconic figure might have been, and what his legacy means in terms of anti-Black racism, both past and present.

Schedule:

Time: 6 PM – 8:30 PM
Refreshments available 6PM, program start time 6:30 PM
Location: Shumiatcher Theatre

Additional event details can be found HERE

Forward together: Equitable Engagement with the Black Community – by The Saskatchewan Council for International Co-operation, Black in Saskatchewan and the Community Engagement and Research Centre are proud to be working together to host this great event!

Even if it is 40 below zero, you’ll want to get off the couch and join us to get insight in how to engage more equitably with the Black community. Meet some new people, try some tasty food from Precious Snacks, Wally B’s Jamaican Jerk Restaurant, and Aunty Maggie’s Kitchen, and enjoy live entertainment.

Please REGISTER in advance as space in the church is limited.Tuesday, February 7, 20236:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.Mount Zion Church, 1171 Broder St, Regina

The Afro Explore by Afro-Mentorship Initiative – In partnership with the Saskatchewan Association of Black Social Workers (SABSW), Black in Sask, and the Southland Mall, Afro-Mentorship Initiative will be hosting a day camp this Black History Month called ‘The Afro-Explore’ is being hosted at Southland Mall, Regina, SK from February 21-24, 2023 10 – 3 PM (late pick-up option will be available for families).

For more information about the camp and the Afro-Mentorship Initiative, please contact Sharon Kambale at af**********************@gm***.com or visit their website HERE

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Saskatchewan’s Rich African-Canadian Black History

Saskatchewan is experiencing high levels of immigration.

We welcomed 11,823 permanent residents, 10,891 temporary residents and 110 refugee claimants in 2014. Nigeria is among the top ten source countries for immigrants and six of the top ten source countries for refugees are in Africa.

The First Nations and Métis populations have increased from 92,400 in 2001 to 157,740 in 2011. These trends are expected to continue in the future.

African-Canadian Black History Month events are an opportunity to focus on ways all people contribute to our cultural, social, political and economic life. It is also important to foster connections with other ethnic groups in ways that recognize and celebrate differences, while building a cohesive shared Canadian society.

African-Canadian Black History Month is an excellent opportunity to remember the negative impacts of racism in the past and present, so that we may move forward with respect and equity.

As a result of further research, collecting and documenting information, the heritage and contribution of people of African descent in Saskatchewan over the last 100 plus years, is now available.

There is more research being done.

Each year, we make bilingual fact sheets, developed by the Saskatchewan African-Canadian Heritage Museum (SACHM), on the history of people with African heritage in Saskatchewan available to all schools in the province, and others who are interested. The purpose is to educate and inform others of the unknown history and experiences of some of the original African-Canadian settlers and newer immigrants.

This resource and the planned school visits will increase awareness in all students, pride in students of African ancestry and foster citizenship based on making our communities welcoming for all people.

With recent increases in immigration, the population of francophone Africans has increased dramatically. La Communauté des Africains Francophones (CAFS) works to build community, meet the needs of newcomers and share the rich culture and history during African-Canadian Black History Month and throughout the year.

The African-Canadian Resource Network (ACRN) is another relatively new organization to support the full integration of people of African-descent in Saskatchewan. ACRN is an action-oriented, resource organization dedicated to supporting the capacity development of the African-Canadian Community in Saskatchewan in strategic areas such as public and business leadership.

Members work toward the vision of “A united African-Canadian Community that adds value to the social, economic, political and cultural well-being of Saskatchewan”.

Learn more at ACRNsask.ca

Did You Know?

Explore some of the important milestones achieved and challenges faced by the first African-Canadian immigrants to join us in our province.

1896

Dr. Alfred Shadd
Dr. Shadd was the first known Black resident of this province, moving from Ontario in 1896. He was a teacher, doctor, pharmacist, publisher and politician in the Melfort area.
1910

Immigration Begins
2010 was the 100th Anniversary of the first migration of African American immigrants to Saskatchewan from Oklahoma. Shiloh Church stands near Maidstone as a testament to this community.
1911

Black Immigrants Banned
Order-in-Council P.C. 1324 was approved on 12 August 1911 by the Cabinet of Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier. The purpose of the order was to ban Black persons from entering Canada for a period of one year because, it read, “the Negro race…is deemed unsuitable to the climate and requirements of Canada.”
1948

Indian Head Rockets
The Indian Head Rockets were an all Black baseball team that played to full crowds 1948-1955, at a time when African-Americans were banned from US major leagues.

Resources

Government of Canada – Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada Website

This website contains in-depth information about Black History Month including games, quizzes, posters, featured biographies, etc.

www.canada.ca/black-history-month

Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum Inc. (SACHM)

SACHM’s website has a virtual museum that features biographies and photos of Saskatchewan individuals and families with African heritage.

They also created fact sheets that document a hundred years of black history in Saskatchewan.

www.sachm.org

African-Canadian Black History Month Video

MCoS’ 2023 ACBHM video can be found on YouTube HERE. Please feel free to share on social media and with your audiences.

Fact Sheets:

The LaFayette Family
Dr. Alfred Schmitz Shadd
Oklahoma Pioneers and the Shiloh Baptist Church
Historic Timeline
Bibliography for Local Information
Baseball Heroes

Download combined PDF file: Black History Month Fact Sheets by SACHM (pdf)

Read more on SACHM’s Website about the ‘Honouring Tree’ installed in Regina’s Wascana Park here. The ‘Honouring Tree’ “Is a symbol of life, legacy and diversity; through which we remember and honour our past, our heritage and contributions and; the good and not so good times”.

La Communauté des Africains Francophones de Saskatchewan Inc. (CAFS)

This web site contains activities and photos from previous years.

www.cafs-sask.org

Black on Prairies

RPL Film Theatre will be screening many films made by Black filmmakers throughout February

Black in Saskatchewan

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Land Acknowledgement

MCoS’ work and support reaches lands covered by Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 & 10 traditional lands of the Nehiyaw/Nehithaw/Nehinaw/Cree, Nahkawe/Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, and Dene peoples and Homeland of the Métis/Michif.