REGINA — African Canadians have played a role in Saskatchewan’s story for many generations.
To honour their contributions, the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum Inc. (SACHM), based in Regina, has showcased a virtual museum recognizing these individuals for more than 20 years.
“Our primary purpose is to research, share documents and share information on those who contributed greatly to this province,” said Sharon-Ann Brown, chair of SACHM.
Brown explained SACHM selects individuals based on recommendations from the Western Development Museum or through research done with the help of students and information from the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society.
“We also speak to family members who are currently living, and they also want to tell the stories of their families that have made these significant contributions. So we've done, I believe, as best as we can to document,” Brown said.
With February recognized as African Heritage Month in Saskatchewan, Brown spoke about the importance of the observance.
“African Canadian contributions were often overlooked and excluded from mainstream history. So remembering individuals highlighted by the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum Inc. and this month helps to preserve stories that might otherwise be forgotten.”
Those stories include that of George Reed, considered one of the greatest running backs in Canadian Football League (CFL) history, and Judy White, who served as president of the Regina chapter of the Congress of Black Women, among other community roles.
Brown also credited the provincial government for recently passing legislation that officially declares February as African Heritage Month.
“We no longer have to submit in writing to our provincial government to have that month declared. It is automatic going forward. So that is a significant stride and progress that has been made, and we're very proud of it,” said Brown.
When it comes to events, SACHM has partnered with the MacKenzie Art Gallery for the past nine years to host gatherings featuring discussions with members of the African community and film screenings that depict African Canadian heritage.
“We celebrate the month that way and embrace all of our partners and folks across all communities that want to ensure that we have a very successful African Heritage Month,” Brown said.
Brown said she hopes the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum will one day become a physical, in-person museum, but noted that significant funding would be required to make that vision a reality.
