Yellowknife Celebrates Black History Month at Annual Gala

On Saturday, March 8^th, the Chateau Nova Hotel in Yellowknife had the honour of hosting the Black History Month Gala, organized by BACup North.

While some scheduling conflicts prevented the event from being held in February as it has in the past, this presented the unique opportunity to have a joint celebration of International Women’s Day as well! Hundreds of honoured guests gathered in the Chateau Nova’s Caribou Room for an evening of delicious food, thought provoking speeches, and eye-catching dance and musical performances.

After dinner and a ceremonial performance by the Yellowknives Dene Drummers, several speeches were given that touched on the importance of celebrating diversity and the history and accomplishments of Black communities.

Up first was Ambe Chenemu, the President of the Black Advocacy Coalition. He expressed his thanks to the community, his colleague, Gilbert Langsi, and to all the others who work with BACupNorth in their efforts to uplift the Black community and advance racial justice.

“We celebrate Black people in February, but Black people are Black year-round. We think February is just one of those times where we like to be more visible, to be more aware of our community. This event is really good to bring our people out. It’s a time when people come out and we get to see them and get to commune together, share a meal, dance together, show a little bit of Black culture.”

Ambe also spoke on the current cultural tensions and the pushback on diversity, saying that now is a time where “we need to be more present, we need to stand firm. We need to believe in the values that have driven us for a long time to get to where we are, because these things that are happening now are flakey and temporal and will pass, but we have to show resilience, we have to be strong, and we have to keep our head high.”

This message was echoed by City Councillor Garret Cochrane, who was next to speak. He touched on how even the word “diversity” has become a contentious issue in recent years.

“An era that has been infected with a virus of ignorance and hate, and though it seems to have spread even to our Northern borders, organizations like BACupNorth fight against it becoming a norm. To live as a person of colour is itself an act of rebellion against the reactionary forces who would rather have us live in fear of each other’s differences instead of celebrating and capitalizing on them to create what I think, at its heart, Yellowknife represents to so many of us; a community of communities.”

Next to speak was Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty, who offered her thanks to BACupNorth for all the work they do throughout the city, including art exhibits by prominent Black artists, and learning opportunities on black history and the key individuals and events therein.

Then came the keynote speaker for the event, Cynthia Mufandaedza-Moyo, who holds the title of the first Black City Councillor in Yellowknife. She spoke noy only on the importance of Black History Month, but also of its theme in the City this year: “Empowering our Legacy through Strength and Community and Leadership.”

“We honour the remarkable contribution of countless individuals who have shaped our past, enriched out present, and inspired our future. Black History Month is a vital reminder that history is not merely a series of events, but is a living tapestry woven by resilience and strength. Our legacy is written in the unwavering spirit of those who came before us. Leaders, visionaries, and everyday heroes, who faced adversity with courage and determination. They taught us that our true empowerment comes not just from individual achievements, but from the strength we derive from our communities. From one another, from our interconnectedness, from our interdependence, and the collection of wellbeing.”

Cynthia encouraged the audience to draw inspiration not only from the leaders and heroes of history, but from the friends and neighbours we have with us today.

The rest of the evening was filled to the brim with toe-tapping music and awe-inspiring dance performances. The lineup of performers included Assiko ADNA, SOCA, Mi’gmafrica, Djely Tapa, Munya & Friends, an encore performance from Djely Tapa, and then an open dance floor with music organized by DJ TMixxy.