Federal Government announces funding to establish Institute for People of African descent

BY PAUL JUNOR

The announcement on Friday, August 30^th of a $7.25 million funding towards the establishment of an Institute for People of African Descent has been long in coming.

The good news was announced at the Jamaica Canadian Association in the presence of many community service representatives, civic officials, and government individuals. Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities of the Government of Canada addressed the attendees. The funding will be spread out over a three-year period and awarded to the Caribbean African Canadian Social Services (CAFCAN). Details regarding the funding were released in a press release, which can be seen on the Government of Canada’s website.

The press release states, “This Institute will support Canada’s effort to tackle racism and discrimination by serving as a centre for: research, knowledge, and community engagement. It aims to improve the social and economic well-being of Black Canadians, and their communities, and to contribute to the development of policies and programs from a Black-centric perspective.”

With respect to the establishment of the institute, it coincides with the federal government’s ongoing support of the work of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent. Furthermore, it “Reaffirms its efforts to build a fairer, more diverse and inclusive country, with meaningful actions that ensure all Canadians can fully participate in Canadian society.”

Craig Wellington, Chief Executive Director of the Black Opportunity Fund (who was present at the announcement) mentioned additional information on his LinkedIn page. It has been over three years since a CAFCAN feasibility study was conducted based on impetus from progressive community members. Wellington commends the visionary leadership of the CEO of CAFCAN and other community members for their strategic visioning and work. He notes, “Ironically, the many obstacles, machinations and efforts to undermine this undertaking from without and within, over the past four years demonstrate exactly why a community led and controlled entity such as this is necessary. Onward: The work is now starting.”

Honourable Kamal Khera states, “Our government fundamentally believes that when we include people, Canada wins. The National Institute is the first of its kind in Canada and marks an important step in fighting racism and discrimination while celebrating the contributions of Black Canadians in the country we love. CAFCAN is doing amazing work to support Canadians of African descent, and through the Institute, they will have an even greater impact on ensuring Black voices are heard in the policies and programs we put forward.”

Bola Adenuga, Chair of the Board of CAFCAN and Flodden Charles-Fridal, Executive Director of CAFCAN are appreciative of the funding by the government of Canada. They wrote, “CAFCAN is humbled to lead on behalf of diverse Black communities across Canada, the foundational phase for National Institute for People of African Descent. Advancing the learning from the feasibility study and related recommendations, the community vision of a Canada-wide organization that is grounded in Africentric principles and values, that is focused on research and policy and is proactive and responsive to key priorities such as education, health and well-being and justice, is our call to action.”

“We look forward to partnering with all who are committed to “crossing the river” together so that this historical and legal initiative is established. We thank the Government of Canada, Minister Kamal Khera and her office for the $7.25 million investment made through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiatives.”

Honourable Judy A. Sgro, MP for Humber-River-Black Creek notes, “This funding allocated to create the National Institute for People of African Descent represents a major advance in acknowledging and addressing the numerous disparities and distinct challenges experienced by Black individuals in Canada.”

“This initiative is a crucial step toward fostering greater equity and inclusion by providing a dedicated platform to research, advocate for and implement solutions to the systemic issues that disproportionately affect Black communities. By focusing on these unique challenges, the Institute aims to drive meaningful change and support the development of policies and programs that promote social justice and equality. Congratulations to CAFCAN for this historic opportunity!”