JANUARY 29, 2024—During the month of February, Regina Public Schools proudly recognizes African-Canadian Black History Month. It is an occasion to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of people with African heritage and their communities. This month also provides an opportunity to continue learning 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 2024 theme for African-Canadian Black History Month is “Reconciliation and Healing.”

“The role of Black Canadians and their communities has largely been ignored as a key part of Canada’s history. There is little mention that some of the Loyalists who came here after the American Revolution and settled in the Maritimes were people of African descent, nor the fact that many soldiers of African descent made many sacrifices in wartime as far back as the War of 1812.”

“Few people in Canada are aware of the fact that African people were once enslaved in the territory that is now known as Canada, or of how those who fought enslavement helped to lay the foundation of Canada’s diverse and inclusive society.” (Government of Canada)

The Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum (SACHM) in Regina provides speakers for schools and works to enhance awareness of African-Canadian history and improved understanding of equity, equality and human dignity. Their virtual museum (https://sachm.org/) is a collection of the heritage, contributions and journeys of people of African ancestry who have lived or who currently live in Saskatchewan.

On Thursday, February 1st from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., everyone is invited to join the MacKenzie Art Gallery as they celebrate the launch of African-Canadian Black History Month in partnership with SACHM. To wrap up the month, SACHM and the Honourable Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, will host an event at Government House on Saturday, February 24th from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.