Acknowledgments

Land acknowledgment

The African Canadian Civic Engagement Council is located on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional and ancestral territory of the Nêhiyaw (Cree), Dené, Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Isga (Nakota Sioux), and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Settlements and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Regions 2, 3, and 4 within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland. We acknowledge the many First Nations, Inuit and Métis who have lived in and cared for these lands for generations and are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. This acknowledgement is made as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on.

Labour acknowledgment

The African Canadian Civic Engagement Council (ACCEC) acknowledges the contributions of Black people in Canada who have confronted the legacy of transatlantic slavery and the ongoing challenges of systemic racism. Additionally, we recognize the devaluation of labor experienced by recent immigrants due to deskilling. The strength and resilience of the Black community are an integral part of our shared history. Over the course of their history, Black Albertans, like their counterparts in other parts of the country, have demonstrated remarkable courage in confronting racial injustices and systemic barriers. As we reflect on their histories and contributions, we reaffirm ourselves to advocate for a more equitable and inclusive province that embraces the well-being of all its residents.

Acknowledgment from the president of the African Canadian Civic Engagement Council

ACCEC expresses our sincere gratitude to the individuals and organizations in Alberta who have played a pivotal role in our collective pursuit of justice. In our dedicated efforts to contribute to the development of Canada's Black Justice Strategy, ACCEC led consultations and engagement activities in the province of Alberta, as one of the 12 Black-led community-based organizations nationally collaborating with Justice Canada.

We especially thank the members of Alberta's diverse Black communities who participated in this consultation process, even in the face of challenging circumstances. Your involvement has been essential in shaping our shared path toward justice and equality. This includes individuals from Alberta’s Black communities who are currently incarcerated in federal prisons located in Alberta, under the jurisdiction of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), individuals from religious minority groups within the Black community, members of the Black 2SLGBTQ+ communities, Black youths, Black Women, Black refugees and asylum seekers, and Black community leaders across Alberta. We also extend our sincere thanks to all the Black lawyers and justice professionals across Alberta who participated in our focus groups. We also thank CSC for their collaboration, which facilitated access to incarcerated members of the Black community at two federal institutions.

We are also deeply grateful for the wisdom of our esteemed Elders and knowledge keepers from the African, Caribbean, and Black communities. These esteemed individuals provided us with the guidance to approach the stories shared by our participants with dignity, honour, permission, collaboration, compassion, cultural humility, and deep respect. We recognize the interconnectedness and shared ancestral wisdom that binds us as people of African descent, emphasizing the importance of protocols and our shared history grounded on our interconnected humanity. We also thank the two consultants who were an integral part of our dedicated team in executing their roles exceptionally and making a remarkable contribution to the success of the engagement.

Successfully executing this engagement consultation would have been possible without the trust and relationships ACCEC has diligently built over the years. We remain firm in our commitment to preserving the trust bestowed upon us. This strategy is but one chapter in our ongoing efforts to support and uplift our communities. Thus, we look forward to continuing this journey with the continued support and collaboration of all those involved. Thank you for your commitment to equity and just society, dedication, and contributions.

With heartfelt gratitude and thanks.

Dunia Nur (she/her)
President & CEO