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 3 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).
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
Vocal Performance
Caption
Fabierre Bonaparte
Fabierre Bonaparte has been singing since childhood, inspiring audiences. She notably performed alongside B.B. King at the Ottawa Bluesfest. Alongside her artistic pursuits, she has served as a public servant for the last 16 years, contributing to Military Compensation, Phoenix Technical Communications, and Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.
Keynote Speaker
Caption
Rosemary Sadlier
The president of the Ontario Black History Society from 1993 to 2015
Rosemary Sadlier is a nationally recognized historian, educator, and social justice leader whose work has shaped how Canada understands Black history, institutional accountability, and collective memory. As President of the Ontario Black History Society from 1993 to 2015, she led sustained advocacy that resulted in the official recognition of February as Black History Month across Canada and the formal establishment of Emancipation Day on August 1, milestones that continue to influence public institutions, including the Defence Team. Throughout her career, Ms. Sadlier has worked at the intersection of history, public service, and systems change, emphasizing the role that institutions play in acknowledging past harms, honouring contributions, and fostering inclusive cultures grounded in dignity and respect. Her leadership and scholarship speak directly to the Defence Team’s ongoing efforts to strengthen trust, advance equity, and ensure that remembrance, service, and national identity reflect the full diversity of Canada.
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: