On Sunday, Feb. 7 the opening ceremonies for Nunavut’s Black History Month celebrations took place at the Astro Theatre in Iqaluit.
Hosted by Nunavut’s Black History Society, they presented the Sankofa Awards for a number of community members for their efforts in the community and helping in matters of social justice.
The winners were as follows:
Sankofa President’s Awards
- Sankofa Community Collaborator Award - Deputy Mayor of Iqaluit Janet Brewster
- Sankofa Social Justice Award - Clayton Greaves
Sankofa Awards for African Descent Excellence
- Sankofa Volunteer Achievement Award - Milton Grace
- Sankofa African Descent Person of Excellence in Nunavut Award - Dr. Camillus Chike Egeni
- Sankofa Lifetime Achievement Award - Hon Dr. Jean Augustine
In attendance via Zoom were Bardish Chagger, federal minister of diversity, inclusion and youth, Nunavut Minister of Culture and Heritage Margaret Nakasuk and Winston LaRose, community activist and managing director for the Jane and Finch Concerned Citizens Association in Toronto (as well as an Elder Council Member for the Nunavut Black History Society).
There will be a number of films hosted at the Astro Theatre over the course of the next month with the first film ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ being shown Feb. 12 at 6 p.m.
Other events at times to be determined will be held from March to June of this year.
These events include 'Black History through Storytelling' - "Black Dance, a gift to the New World", Mardi Gras Valentine Party - "The Blackout" and the Black History Month Celebration Finale - "Black Moves & Sounds".
