4 minute read
Honouring and Empowering Local Black Canadians
Honouring and Empowering Local Black Canadians
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
February is Black History Month. The Government of Canada website stated this is meant for people to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada a culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous country.
A local resident, Ardythe Butler mentioned Nike Amusat is her hero.
Vegreville resident Nike Amusat is originally from Nigeria (West Africa). She immigrated to Canada in 2002. When asked, Nike expressed, “Goals are never-ending, you achieve them and you keep on working for more.
For me, being black comes with challenges when you are in a community where few people look like you. So, to be able to pass through those challenges and be who you want to be is an achievement. When I look back on my journey from my country to Canada, all I see is joy and freedom. My job as a nurse brings me a sense of joy and gratification. This is important. When I think of Canada, I recall how I was able to pass my Canada Nursing exam which allowed me to do what I love and be who I want to be.
Also, in my personal space, I continue to manage my home, my family life, and my professional life efficiently. I have the freedom of being me. I am so comfortable in my workplace and my community. I am always busy; I have no time to be anybody else which is also an achievement for me. I love it in the community as they accept me for who I am and they don’t try to change me.
I feel that I empower black people by being myself and working in public health makes me a good ambassador for other people of colour.”
After this, Nike’s daughter, Alya Amusat expressed that some of the achievements she is proud of are graduating from high school, being class valedictorian, receiving the Governor General Academic medal in 2023, earning the Athlete of the Year award, and multiple Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the sports she played.
“Right now I am taking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
To give Black people a voice and empower them, I recently joined a Canadian Black Nurses Alliance at my university. It has been good so far. They recently did a Black History Month gala to celebrate it.
Some of the challenges I have faced have been that I have been underestimated or overlooked sometimes. I also had to deal with micro aggressions, biases, and people stereotyping. I still deal with it but only occasionally. I overcame it because I have a really good support system with my family and I also have good friends. So, I just keep the faith in myself and focus on my goals.”
A Press Release from the Alberta Government on February 20, 2024, read, “Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen have launched an advisory council to tackle racism and systemic barriers for Alberta's Black community.
Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring the province is the best place to live, work, and raise a family. This includes working to build a province where all Black Albertans have opportunities to prosper and contribute to Alberta’s culture and economy.
Establishing the new Alberta Black Advisory Council fulfills a promise by the Premier to Black Albertans. The council will provide advice to the government to help address anti-Black racism and systemic barriers faced by Black Albertans, along with initiatives that improve their socioeconomic well-being and promote cross-cultural exchange and understanding.”
