PrintUNA Celebrates Black History Month
Each February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and celebrations that honour the legacy and contributions of Black people in Canada.
United Nurses of Alberta honours and celebrates the long history of outstanding dedication and contributions of Black nurses in our union and in hospitals and health care workplaces across the province. These co-workers make our workplaces and communities more rich with heritage, compassion and diverse cultural traditions.
The month is also a time to reflect on the ongoing fight against systemic racism and commit to fighting prejudice in all its forms. As the union representing more than 35,000 Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses and allied workers, UNA commits to creating welcoming environments where all workers can feel safe, heard and understood.
The 2026 theme is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow's Visionaries,” which celebrates three decades of official recognition by the Canadian House of Commons.
Black History Month has been observed in the United States since the 1920s and was first officially recognized in Canada after a motion introduced by Member of Parliament Jean Augustine passed through the House of Commons in 1995. Senator Donald Oliver moved to have the Canadian Senate officially recognize Black History Month in 2008. That motion was unanimously approved.
Black History Month was first officially recognized by the Government of Alberta through a proclamation from Premier Rachel Notley in 2017. It has been recognized in Alberta every year since.
Black History Month resources
Alberta Labour History Institute: Black Communities in Alberta
Edmonton City As Museum Project: A Black Presence in Alberta, late 1800s – 1970s
Edmonton City As Museum Project: Black History in Edmonton
