DORIS WANG
News Writer

People of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds have contributed to the building of Saskatchewan since its birth.

This year, educators and physicians from across the province, including those from the University of Saskatchewan, are being recognized by the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum. In collaboration with the University of Regina Community Research Unit, the museum has undertaken the initiative of identifying and celebrating 100 years of people of African ancestry arriving in Saskatchewan through mapping projects.

According to Terra Brockett, who is a University of Regina graduate student taking part in the research, the project highlights the contributions and achievements of people of African ancestry in Saskatchewan.

As part of the educators mapping project, Brockett has found that African Canadians have been engaging students in such areas as engineering, fine arts, medicine, nutrition, education, social work, biochemistry, French and many more. Professors being recognized from the U of S include Dr. Akindele G. Odeshi from the College of Engineering, Dr. Carol J. Henry from the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, and Dr. Kiven Erique Lukong and Dr. Mansfield Mela from the College of Medicine.

Another mapping project found that almost 80 physicians in the province have self identified as having African ancestry and have been located across the province in a wide range of communities.

“We have located physicians as far as Goodsoil [near Meadow Lake],” Brockett said. “This not only illustrates diversity in Saskatchewan but the critical contributions of people of African ancestry continue to make in our communities.”

The centennial celebration is held in honour of Dr. Alfred Shadd, who was a physician, teacher and active community member in Melfort from 1904 to 1915.

According to the 2006 Census, there are almost 5,000 people of African ancestry throughout the province.

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