Thank you, Mr. Speaker. February is Black History Month in Canada and throughout the world. Here in the North, we have a thriving Black community that, in June, organized a rally to protest racism against Black people. This rally was organized to coincide with a growing international movement in protest of rising incidents of violent acts against people of colour.
From this, a group was formed called the Black Advocacy Coalition up North, or BACupNorth, with the goal of providing community support to Black Northerners. Its mission is to end racism and dismantle barriers to equity in law enforcement, justice, health, housing, education, research, and media. Whether you are Caribbean, of African descent, you are African-Canadian born here, BACupNorth celebrates that heritage. BACupNorth supports diversity and believes in educating for progress. Part of BACupNorth's work is to analyze materials young people are consuming in schools and push for changes in school curriculum and media for better representation of Black experiences and history. BACupNorth also empowers the Black community by sharing stories and experiences of members in the Black community and educates Northerners about Black culture, heritage, and diversity.
The issues the BACupNorth advocates for are also a reality for a lot of Indigenous people living in the North. Their goal is to work together, using available resources, to show solidarity and support Indigenous organizations to effect positive changes for everyone. The following is a statement provided by BACupNorth founder Ambe Chenemu: The Black community has come a long way. In fact, it has taken over 400 years and we are still working to be treated equally and not be punished for looking and being Black. The Black community has been forced, enslaved, and dehumanized in the worst possible manner. Four hundred years later, Black people across Canada are still working toward equality, equity, social justice, and equal opportunity. Throughout the month of February, we celebrate the resilience and contributions of the Black community to the rich and diverse Canadian heritage.
Just this month, some Black Northerners were among those recognized by Premier Cochrane for their contributions to the public service and recipients of the Premier's Award for Excellence. Black people are making a difference across our territory, and we call on government to work with and support the efforts of BACupNorth and other local organizations in making the North a better place for us all. Thank you.