Black History Month
Save the Date for the Defence Team Black History Month Event 2026
- What: Defence Team Black History Month Event 2026
- Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
- Time: 1 PM to 2:30 PM (EST)
- Where: In-person: NDHQ (Carling) Building 5 Atrium, or;
- Virtually: MS Teams (Live sound | English Only | French Only)
In celebration of Black History Month, Defence Team members, and all Government of Canada employees, are invited to join the Defence Team Champions for Racialized Persons, and special guests for a national event on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
This event will be an opportunity to reflect upon the important contributions and achievements of Black Defence Team members, and to commit to the work that remains ahead for strengthening an inclusive and barrier-free workplace.
All Defence Team members are encouraged to watch the live broadcast of the event (links above). Defence Team members in the National Capital Region are invited to attend in-person at Carling Campus (DND NCR building pass is required).
Opening remarks:
- Rear-Admiral Jacques P Olivier, Military Defence Team Co-Champion for Racialized Persons
- Andrew Au and Colonel Sylvestre Bishop, Defence Racialized Persons Advisory Group
- Charlene Engmann and Major Ryan Carter, Defence Team Black Employees Network
Keynote Speaker
Caption
Rosemary Sadlier
The president of the Ontario Black History Society from 1993 to 2015
We are honoured that Rosemary Sadlier will join us as our keynote speaker. Rosemary Sadlier was the president of the Ontario Black History Society from 1993 to 2015 and continues her foundational work as a social justice advocate. She was instrumental in the establishment of February as Black History Month across Canada and the formal celebration of Emancipation Day of August 1. We look forward to having her speak to the Defence Team during this year’s Black History Month event.
A question and answer session with Rosemary Sadlier will follow. Questions must be submitted via Slido.
- Slido URL: https://app.sli.do/event/abv7tn14EPoCJ5gct2vp64
- Event code: #DNDBHM
Additional Resources
Watch the October 30, 2025 apology, delivered by the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) on behalf of the CAF, to current and former CAF members, as well as their families, who suffered from the impacts of systemic racism, racial discrimination, and racial harassment during their military service.
This event contains language and references to harmful situations which may be emotionally activating for some people. If you or someone you know needs support, please seek assistance: