February 9, 2025

Statement from the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada for Black History Month

Photo: Marie Meloche

This month, we’re celebrating the diverse histories, the vibrant cultures, and the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of Black peoples across the country and around the world.

That said, Black History Month isn’t seasonal. Black history isn’t just a moment. It’s a movement, a lived experience, and a truth that exists every day. This month and every month – indeed, every day – the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada is committed to partnering with, learning from, and moving forward alongside Black communities and organizations. This is done through our community-centred conservation programs – which focus on amplifying the talents, perspectives, and solutions of those who know these lands the best.

That includes hardworking changemakers like Caroline, who, through our Conservation and Sustainable Management project, is leading efforts to rebuild forests in Kenya and improve the lives of other community members. That also includes women like Adama, who, through our Building Community Resilience project, is taking action to address the impacts of climate change in Senegal. And that also includes Fiston, who is providing critical training for women participating in our ongoing Femmes en Action project.

We’re committed to collaborating with leaders like Caroline, Adama, and Fiston; to following the lead of our African partners in program design and implementation; to ensuring equitable allocation of resources; and to amplifying local voices and expertise in conservation initiatives. We’re also committed to strengthening these vital partnerships all year long – not just for, or during, Black History Month. As part of this commitment, we’ll continue to regularly highlight these environmental champions across our social media platforms and our newsletter. There is also important work that continues behind the scenes, between members of our team and the community members who are bringing about change on the ground, every single day.

Of course, we recognize that much more work needs to be done. Black voices, expertise, and leadership must continue to be woven into everything we do as an organization – from our professional development activities, to our domestic and international programming, to our public events and storytelling efforts.

In that vein, the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada is dedicated to continuously learning – and unlearning – with the goal of continually improving our perspectives, our programs, and our partnerships. In our learning journeys, we have found several resources to be particularly useful. We are sharing them here so you can benefit from them, too:

As we continue to observe Black History Month, let’s rededicate ourselves to moving forward together. To not just saying these words, but to taking tangible action. To challenging ourselves and our own structures. To ensuring Black voices and leadership are at the heart of how we work. And to asking questions that ensure Black History Month is not just a celebration, but a reckoning. Only when we collaborate as genuine partners can we build a better world for all living things.