Caribbean roots run deep here

Fort Rouge

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/09/2024 (599 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Summer brings a lot of pleasures for the Caribbean community. July is Caribbean Heritage Month in Manitoba; Emancipation Day was celebrated Aug. 1 — and Folklorama’s Caribbean pavilion ran in the first week of our annual multicultural festival. It is a time when the community comes alive with a myriad of cultural events and festivities showcasing Caribbean culture at its best.

In 2022, the Manitoba government proclaimed July Caribbean Heritage Month, providing the opportunity for Caribbeans to celebrate, inform and educate Manitobans about Caribbean culture and issues facing the community. In 2021, St. Vital MLA Jamie Moses successfully piloted Bill 232, The Emancipation Day Act which celebrates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire on Aug. 1 every year.

For generations, Caribbean individuals have been an integral part of Manitoba, arriving in waves to fill essential roles that native Canadians either could not or did not wish to occupy. Our dedication to enhancing the community has played a significant role in making Manitoba a better place to live and grow a family.

While many early arrivals initially planning to work temporarily and then return home, most stayed because to their fondness for Manitoba, despite the challenges of adapting to the climate and to Canadian customs. The multiculturalism and respect for human rights in Canada attracted Caribbean individuals, granting them rights and freedoms that may have been lacking in their home countries.

John Jack, a highly regarded community member and former president of various organizations – who is originally from St. Vincent and the Grenadines – emphasized the profound impact Caribbeans have had on Manitoba’s cultural, social, and economic landscape.

“Our contributions have been priceless in shaping the diverse tapestry of Manitoba society. From taking on any available job upon arrival to nurturing intercultural relationships, Caribbean individuals have been pivotal in the growth and evolution of Manitoba,” he said.

John said the initial wave of Caribbean immigrants to Winnipeg in the late 1950s and 1960s primarily consisted of students attending local universities. This was followed by the arrival of nannies in the late 1960s and early 1970s to support the increasing number of women entering the workforce. Subsequent waves saw teachers, factory workers, and hotel staff joining the workforce. However, by the 1990s, stringent immigration policies made it increasingly difficult to sponsor family members, slowing down the influx of Caribbean immigrants.

As the Caribbean community in Winnipeg expanded, organizations such as the Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba and the Caribbean Canadian Association of Winnipeg were established to cater to the growing population. With the rise in numbers, cultural organizations representing various Caribbean islands emerged to ensure diverse needs were addressed.

John fondly recalled the early 1970s, when the Black population in Manitoba was scarce. He said each interaction with someone of similar descent was cherished, leading to the formation of tight-knit community groups. This unity and camaraderie laid the foundation for a vibrant Caribbean community in Manitoba. The Council for Caribbean Organizations of Manitoba (CCOM) was established in 1988. Initially founded as a liaison committee, CCOM evolved into a united voice for the Caribbean community, always promoting broader community goals.

“All these organizations were created to ensure that our Canadian-born children embrace and understand Caribbean culture. We take great pride in our heritage,” John explained.

John said the community expressed a desire for increased political involvement at all levels. Consequently, a Black caucus was formed.

“We encouraged our members to join their preferred political party and pursue political offices at all levels of government,” John noted.

After 35 years of relentless effort, Audrey Gordon made history as Manitoba’s first Black MLA and minister in the provincial government. This breakthrough was followed by further successes, with Jamie Moses and Uzoma Asagwara securing seats and serving as current ministers in the NDP government.

Introducing Winnipeg to carnival celebrations, street parades, mass bands, and calypso- competitions, the community brought vibrant cultural traditions to the city. Steel band music has now become a mainstream phenomenon in Winnipeg, with opportunities for individuals to learn and play in schools and universities.

“As principal of Andrew Mynarski School, we introduced steel pan music to the curriculum. Interestingly, the class was filled with mainstream Canadian children, not a single Caribbean student,” John said.

The CCOM proudly displays its culture and its multicultural community, which reflects Manitoba’s policy of diversity and inclusion.

“We are moving forward but it is not all roses,” John said. “There are issues that we still face such as discrimination in the workplace, mental health, addictions, family violence, and the need for culturally sensitive programs and services for our youth and elders. We cannot think that we have arrived, there is work to be done.”