Nunavut Black History Society kicks off month with shoutout from PM
Justin Trudeau names Stephanie Bernard as one of nation’s ‘groundbreaking trailblazers’ of Black excellence
Stephanie Bernard, fourth from left, received a shoutout from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Feb. 1 in his statement celebrating the start of Black History Month. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie Bernard)
Stephanie Bernard was shocked to hear Prime Minister Justin Trudeau kicked off Black History Month last week with a personal shoutout to her.
“From groundbreaking trailblazers in halls of fame and history books to unsung heroes in communities across the country, Black excellence is all around us,” Trudeau said in a statement Feb. 1.
He then named Bernard and highlighted her work as a community leader in Iqaluit and founder of the Nunavut Black History Society.
Bernard said she was inspired to co-found the society close to a decade ago because there was no celebration for Black History Month when she first came to the territory.
“We wanted to see Black History Month celebrated and celebrate everything that is wonderful about people of African descent,” she said.
“We’ve seen it strengthen each year and it’s just been a really wonderful experience the way the community has come together around Black History Month.”
The Nunavut Black History Society will kick off its celebration Feb. 14 with a film festival featuring the musical Bob Marley: One Love at the Astro Theatre. The Black History Film Festival will feature a movie each week through mid-March.
Bernard said the organization will update its Facebook page with more details on workshops, films and other events. People can keep an eye on the page for a calendar.
Is he kidding us?
Dividing first nation’s, Melissa and Inuit culture by giving a black history month. This happened in the U.S.Aand other countries. I do believe canada did not own slaves. Why divide and conquer? First Nation’s zMetis and inuit History month? Or does southern canadians and the rest of the world doesn’t really care about canadas first people’s?
Though this country abolished slavery sooner than the US and Europe….Canada absolutely engaged in slavery. Their were enslaved Indigenous and Black people. One of the first known to come as an enslaved person was a child named Olivier Le Jeune brought to quebec city in 1629. People were bought and sold. Read about Marie- Joseph Angelique for another lived experience of racism and slavery.