Six years ago, Canada officially recognized the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent. By doing so, it committed to making transformative investments in order to celebrate the contributions of Black communities in Canada and work with Black-led and Black-serving organizations across the country to address longstanding systemic barriers to social and economic inclusion.

Today, the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, announced that a total of $7.25 million would be provided over three years to Caribbean African Canadian Social Services (CAFCAN) to establish the first-ever National Institute for People of African Descent.

This institute will support Canada’s efforts 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.

Establishing the Institute furthers the Government of Canada’s commitment to the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent and 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.