BCNU Observes Black History Month

February is Black History Month. BCNU honours the histories, contributions and legacy of Black people in Canada, across diverse cultures, identities and lived experiences, including Black nurses who have strengthened BC’s health-care system through their care and advocacy for generations.

Black nurses’ contributions are often undocumented, overlooked or excluded from recognition. To recognize them fully, there must be a greater understanding of the historical context of Black nurses’ experiences in Canada. Until the late 1940s, Black people could not pursue a nursing education due to being excluded from Canadian nursing schools. Despite this unfair and harmful exclusion, Black nurses and midwives in BC in the late 19th and early 20th century continued to provide care in their families and communities. They drew on their abilities, lived experiences, and knowledge gained from their ancestors to give essential care when access to formal services was limited or out of reach. Members are encouraged to know more about these women, such as Sylvia Stark (Salt Spring Island), Nancy Elvina Alexander (Vancouver Island), Adelina Phelps (BC), and Catherine Gant (BC).

Thanks to the efforts of groups and individuals, like the Canadian chapter of Black Cross Nurses and Pearline Oliver, who were important figures in the fight for inclusion in nursing schools, rightful access to nursing education is more broadly available today although some financial and admissions barriers persist for Black people, and anti-Black racism still shapes BCNU members’ everyday workplace experiences.

An investigative review of racism and discrimination among nurses in Canada and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic describes anti-Black policies contributing to ongoing discrimination, including limiting leadership opportunities and career progression for Black nurses. This retrospective report on mentorship for Black nurses finds comparable systemic barriers and bias, with many Black nursing students reporting isolation and difficulty accessing mentorship and faculty support.

The sharing of Black nurses’ experiences and stories can help our union identify needed changes and advocate for safer workplaces. Members can challenge anti-Black racism in the workplace by checking in with and supporting co-workers, sharing information and promoting transparency in recruitment opportunities. As part of their professional responsibility, nurses must challenge anti-Black racism and ensure Black patients receive dignified, responsive health care.

Act Now: Resources for Members

BCNU Survey - Take the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Nursing Practice Environments survey. Responses will strengthen our efforts to fight racism, including anti-Black racism, and help create welcoming workplaces.

Webinar - BCNU members can learn more about anti-Black racism and how to combat biases in this series: Caring for Black Bodies Webinar Series (Pan-Canadian Association of Nurses of African Descent)

Explore a UN Declaration - Learn about the United Nations General Assembly’s Nursing Declaration Against Anti-Black Racism in Nursing and Health Care. BCNU endorsed this document which condemns racism, vows deep reflection among nursing profession members, respects voices from Black communities, advocates for policies to address inequities and acknowledges the need for cultural safety and competence.