The Government of Canada has announced the theme for Black History Month 2025: "Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations." This annual celebration provides an opportunity to recognize and honour the achievements of Black communities across Canada. For more details, visit here.
As February marks Black History Month, it is a time to celebrate the diversity and accomplishments of Black Canadians while reflecting on Canada's history and the ongoing challenges faced, including systemic barriers and discrimination. NSWOCC acknowledges the pivotal role of Black nurses in shaping Canada's nursing profession, having spotlighted figures like Dr. Carrie M. Best, Bernise Redmon, and Clotilda Adessa Yakimchuk in past years. This year, under the theme of "uplifting future generations," we commit to addressing healthcare inequities.
Recognizing the underrepresentation of Black nurses in healthcare and the need for greater study into wound, ostomy, and continence care for Black and dark-skinned individuals, NSWOCC is holding a panel at our upcoming National Conference titled "Addressing Healthcare Inequities in the Care of Black and Brown Skin,” which will be presented by Lori Zozolotto, BScN, RN, NSWOC, Shelly Philip LaForest, MN, BN, RN, CVAA(c), PhD student, and Dania Versailles, MScN, MScMHNP, BScN, RN, CPMHN(C). This aligns with our conference theme "IDEAs: Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, shared," featuring sessions such as "Assessing Pressure Injuries in Different Skin Tones" and "Skin Tears in People with Different Skin Tones." Explore the full program at NSWOCC Conference 2025. We are grateful to each panelist and presenter for sharing their knowledge and expertise.
We invite you to join us in honouring Black History Month this February. Let's continue this educational journey together this month and as we strive for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment.