Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CLOSING CEREMONY
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Saturday, March 1, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
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Fellow Manitobans, it’s a pleasure to join you at this monument to human rights to celebrate Black History Month.
As Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, I am pleased to acknowledge first that we are gathered on Treaty 1 land and in the heartland of the Red River Metis and that our province is located on the Anishinaabe, Anishininew (ANISH-IN-INEW), Cree, Dakota, Dene, Nehetho (NE-HET-HO) Nation and the homeland of the Red River Métis. As well, Manitoba includes northern lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
As Manitobans, we respect the spirit and intent of treaties and treaty making and remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration.
Since 1995, Black History Month has been formally recognized by Canada’s Parliament – but this month has brought people together in Manitoba and across our country to learn and celebrate for even longer.
Today, Black History Month provides a time to focus on many stories of community and resilience, creativity and triumph.
In schools and universities, in libraries and museums and in the media, we have been learning about centuries of black life in Canada – and about the tremendous diversity of experience and culture brought to our country in the last few generations by immigration from Africa and the African diaspora.
I’m sure many of you were right here at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights earlier in February for the Noir et Fier market and gala. And I’m sure many of you have visited this museum to see how it tells the stories of the black experience in Canada from the 17th century through to the present day.
The greater awareness of black culture and contributions in Canada and in Manitoba has come about in large part as a result of a concerted effort by activists for understanding like those who have organized Black History Month events.
Your call for a fuller representation of our province’s and our country’s stories has been heard. As a result, Black History Month and educational and cultural activities throughout the year are giving all Canadians a better understanding of our country, its history and its future. This is increasingly important in this time of growing division and anger.
To all who have made this evening, this month and this change possible, thank you for making a more inclusive, more knowledgeable and more caring Manitoba.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom
