In many cultures and societies in Africa, elders play an essential role in educating, guiding, and informing the younger generation on their roles in their communities. For instance, Nigeria’s three major ethnic groups, Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, have their leaders and elders. Another example is Ethiopia, where there are three dominant ethnic groups, Oromos, Amharas, and Tigrayans. Beyond Nigeria, many African countries have both prosperity and conflict due to political, economic, and social tensions, which often transcend into ethnic conflicts.
On Saturday, April 24, 2022, the Edmonton Ethiopian community protested the genocide in Northern Ethiopia against the Tigray people. Such acts of political mobilization are vital to putting pressure on the international community to intervene. Ethiopian forces, Eritrean forces, and the Amhara militia are committing genocide against a community of over 7 million Tigray peoples in Northern Ethiopia, causing tensions within the Horn of Africa and in communities like Edmonton. With over 129,390 Black Albertans, the province is home to one of the largest African and Caribean diaspora among the Prairies.
The Africa Centre
Despite the many conflicts in Africa today, the Africa Center is a beautiful organization in Alberta that strives for economic, social, cultural, and educational opportunities which are culturally appropriate for the development and wellness of individuals, families, and communities. Among their many programs and services devoted to aiding the diasporic African individuals and communities, the Africa Center hosts many events in Edmonton and Calgary to engage with all Albertans.
Today, June 4, 2022, the Africa Center, in partnership with the University of Alberta’s Pan African Collaboration for Excellence (PACE), will present the inaugural Obinokor Talks at the Citadel Cultural Center Edmonton. The free event is taking place to provide an open, secure, and collaborative space for Albertans to learn from female elders to manage issues of violence in African communities.
The event will present talks from three elders from Edmonton:
- Dr. Philomina Okeke-Ihejirika – Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies and Director, the Pan African Collaboration for Excellence, University of Alberta;
- Beatrice Ghettuba CPA, CMA – An accounting professional and a seasoned community leader who is committed to the advancement of African Canadians in Alberta, and;
- Lise Gottell – Landrex Distinguished Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies, University of Alberta and a leading expert in sexual consent law in Canada.
The title of the event, Obinokor, links the tradition of Obinokors of Igboland in Southeastern Nigeria to challenge Albertans to recognize the role of female elders. Such events are necessary for creating dialogue among Albertans to acknowledge and respect the position of female elders and to implement their teachings in their communities.
Women’s Empowerment and Expertise
A common theme of disrespect and disregard is perpetrated against African women in Alberta. As a result, women of African descent are seldom present in political, social, and economic spaces, giving way to predominantly white and affluent participation. Although this is a reality in Alberta, complacency only continues this cycle. Organizations such as the Africa Center tackle these challenging conversations and work to empower racialized women-owned businesses, social groups, and political movements.
Please see the Africa Center’s Upcoming Events page for future events and presentations by the Africa Center to register for their upcoming events, such as events devoted to seniors, business owners, and community leaders. For today’s Obinokor talk, please register here.
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