Hello Ottawa Region 10!
Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize the profound and lasting contributions of Black nurses. As we celebrate this month, we honour the legacy of Black nurses in Canada past, present, and future and reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, equity and respect within the nursing profession and the health system as a whole.
From building community based care when systems excluded them, to leading innovation and advocacy today, Black nurses have shaped the profession through resilience, leadership and compassion.
Historically, many Black Canadians faced barriers entering nursing education and employment. Despite this, they created pathways for care where none existed supporting public health, maternal care, and community wellness long before equity became a formal policy priority. Their work not only improved health outcomes but helped expand access to care for underserved populations across the country.
Today Black nurses remain leaders in clinical practice, research, education and policy. They continue to advocate for culturally safe care, equitable health systems, and better outcomes for patients and communities disproportionately affected by health disparities.
Black History Month also reminds us that representation matters. A diverse nursing workforce strengthens trust, improves patient experiences, and helps health systems respond more effectively to the needs of the populations they serve.
Don't forget to join RNAO events this month celebrating Black History Month.
Event 2: In-Person/hybrid Celebration – Resilience: Black History Month Celebration
Saturday, February 28th | 1–4 p.m. ET
Location: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO)
4211 Yonge Street, Suite 500, Toronto, ON M2P 2A9
Cost: $30 per person
Featuring guest speakers:
Dr. Bukola Salami
Dr. Josephine Etowa
Join us for an inspiring afternoon filled with thought-provoking presentations, delicious food, and engaging networking opportunities. This is an event you won’t want to miss!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/resilience-a-black-history-month-celebratio…
Warm regards,
RNAO Region 10 Executive