February 2025

Celebrating Black Canadians in British Columbia for Black History Month

Every February, Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the rich and diverse contributions of Black Canadians to our society. While much of the focus tends to be on Eastern Canada, British Columbia has a long and inspiring Black history that deserves recognition. From pioneers and activists to artists and politicians, Black British Columbians have shaped the province in remarkable ways.

The Legacy of Black Pioneers in British Columbia

One of the earliest and most significant Black communities in British Columbia was established in the 1850s. A group of around 800 Black settlers, led by Mifflin Wistar Gibbs, arrived from California in response to an invitation from Governor James Douglas, who was himself of mixed-race heritage. These pioneers played a crucial role in building communities in places like Victoria and Salt Spring Island. They established businesses, built schools and churches, and even formed the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps, an all-Black militia.
Mifflin Wistar Gibbs became a prominent figure in B.C.’s history, becoming the first Black person elected to public office in Canada. His leadership and advocacy laid the groundwork for future generations of Black Canadians to engage in politics and public service.

Notable Black British Columbians

Beyond the early pioneers, many Black British Columbians have left an enduring impact on Canadian society. Here are just a few individuals who have shaped history and continue to inspire:

Hogan’s Alley and the Legacy of Nora Hendrix – Hogan’s Alley was the vibrant heart of Vancouver’s Black community from the early 1900s until the 1970s. Among its notable residents was Nora Hendrix, a community leader and grandmother of legendary musician Jimi Hendrix. She played a pivotal role in preserving Black culture in Vancouver and was one of the founders of the city’s first Black church.
Rosemary Brown – A trailblazer in Canadian politics, Rosemary Brown was the first Black woman elected to a provincial legislature in Canada. She represented Vancouver-Burrard in the B.C. Legislature from 1972 to 1986 and was a lifelong advocate for gender and racial equality.
Joe Fortes – A beloved figure in Vancouver’s history, Joe Fortes was a Barbadian immigrant who became the city’s first official lifeguard. He taught thousands of children to swim at English Bay and was so admired by the community that the city named a public library and a restaurant after him.

Black Communities in B.C. Today

Despite historical challenges, Black communities in British Columbia continue to thrive. Organizations such as the Hogan’s Alley Society work to preserve and celebrate Black history in Vancouver, while events like the Afro-Canadian Heritage Festival and Black History Month celebrations showcase the vibrancy of Black culture in the province.
Additionally, Black-owned businesses, artists, and activists continue to contribute to British Columbia’s cultural and economic landscape. Writers such as Wayde Compton, filmmakers like Selwyn Jacob, and community leaders like Stephanie Allen are ensuring that Black voices are heard, and history is remembered.

Honoring the Past and Looking Forward

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the past while also recognizing the work that still needs to be done. Issues like racial justice, housing inequities, and economic disparities persist, but the resilience of Black communities in British Columbia continues to inspire change.
This month, take time to learn more about Black history in B.C., support Black-owned businesses, attend cultural events, and amplify Black voices. By doing so, we can ensure that the legacy of Black British Columbians remains alive for generations to come.

Elisabeth Cooke In Dignity, Diversity

Cost of DEI and Retention in Canada and the UK

In today’s evolving workforce, Millennials and Generation Z are placing a heightened emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) when selecting employers. Organizations that neglect to cultivate an inclusive environment risk increased turnover among these groups, leading to significant financial repercussions.

The Financial Impact of Turnover Due to Lack of DEI

In Canada, high employee turnover is a costly issue. A recent survey found that 28% of Canadian companies expect turnover rates to rise in 2024, with the average cost of employee turnover reaching $30,674 per employee annually. For some organizations, these costs soar even higher, with 15% estimating turnover expenses to exceed $100,000 per employee each year.
In the UK, discriminatory pay practices in the workplace are costing the economy a staggering £127 billion in lost output each year. This figure underscores the economic impact of inadequate DEI practices.

Millennials and Gen Z: A Demand for Inclusive Workplaces

A survey reported by Benefits Canada found that 63% of Millennials and 77% of Generation Z consider DEI a key factor when evaluating potential employers. This data indicates that younger workers are more inclined to leave organizations that do not align with their DEI values.

The Business Case for DEI

Commitment to DEI not only aids in retention but also enhances overall business performance. A report from HRD Canada indicates that employees who feel supported by their managers in DEI initiatives have a 4% attrition risk, compared to 17% for those who do not feel supported. This support leads to increased employee satisfaction and loyalty.

Strategies to Enhance DEI

At Dignii, we help businesses measure and enhance workplace culture, ensuring that dignity remains at the heart of every decision – the foundation to any strategy enhancing DEI. Ready to mitigate turnover costs and proactively address DEI to attract and retain top talent from Millennial and Gen Z cohorts? Reach out so we can help you drive overall business success.

Let’s Advance Dignity together.

Elisabeth Cooke In Diversity, Inclusion

The Business Imperative of Diversity and Inclusion in Canada

In today’s rapidly evolving economy, Canadian businesses face a critical question: How can they attract top talent, drive innovation, and remain competitive in a global marketplace? The answer lies in a commitment to diversity, inclusion — not just as values, but as strategic business priorities.

Canada’s Competitive Advantage: A Diverse Workforce

Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with over 23% of its population born outside the country and a workforce enriched by people from various cultural, racial, and professional backgrounds. Businesses that embrace this diversity are better positioned to:

✅ Enhance Innovation – Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives and creative problem-solving. Research shows that companies with inclusive cultures generate 19% more revenue from innovation than those without.
✅ Improve Decision-Making – Studies indicate that teams with varied backgrounds make better business decisions 87% of the time, leading to more effective strategies and outcomes
✅ Expand Market Reach – Understanding diverse customer bases is crucial. In a country where over 200 languages are spoken, businesses that reflect and respect this diversity connect more effectively with their audiences.

The Risks of Ignoring Diversity

Despite the clear advantages, many organizations still struggle to embed diversity and inclusion into their business strategy. Those that fail to act face:

🚨 Talent Drain – Today’s workforce, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, prioritize inclusive workplaces. Companies that don’t actively support diversity risk losing top talent to competitors that do.
🚨 Lower Employee Engagement – Employees who don’t feel valued or heard are less engaged and more likely to leave. Turnover due to poor workplace culture costs Canadian businesses billions each year.
🚨 Reputational & Legal Risks – As Canadian laws and regulations around workplace fairness continue to evolve, companies that neglect inclusion may face compliance challenges, public backlash, and potential legal repercussions.

Diversity in Action: How Leading Canadian Companies Are Thriving

Forward-thinking Canadian businesses are already seeing the benefits of prioritizing diversity and inclusion:

Shopify – The Ottawa-based e-commerce giant has built an inclusive culture by integrating diversity into recruitment, leadership development, and employee resource groups. Their commitment to inclusion has helped them attract world-class talent.
RBC – As one of Canada’s largest banks, RBC has made diversity a pillar of its business strategy, ensuring that its leadership, hiring, and mentorship programs reflect Canada’s rich diversity. This commitment has strengthened both employee engagement and customer trust.
Miovision – This Kitchener-based tech firm took a deliberate approach to inclusion, boosting employee engagement and increasing representation of women in tech roles by 40%.

The Path Forward: Advancing Dignity as a Business Strategy

Diversity and inclusion are not just checkboxes—they are powerful drivers of business success. Companies that embed these principles into their workplace culture, leadership, and decision-making create environments where employees thrive, innovation flourishes, and performance soars.

At Dignii, we help businesses turn workplace insights into action. Our solutions empower leaders to measure, track, and enhance diversity, engagement, and inclusion—driving real business results while Advancing Dignity in the workplace.

Is your organization ready to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce? Let’s start the conversation.

Elisabeth Cooke In Dignity, Diversity, Inclusion

Advancing Dignity: The Key to a Thriving Workplace

In today’s evolving workforce, organizations that prioritize respect, equity, and engagement outperform their competitors. But how do leaders move beyond traditional diversity initiatives to create workplaces where every employee thrives? The answer lies in a data-driven approach to Advancing Dignity—ensuring that every team member feels valued, heard, and empowered.

Why Advancing Dignity Matters

Dignity in the workplace is more than a moral imperative—it’s a business strategy. Research shows that organizations with inclusive cultures experience:

✅ Higher employee engagement and retention
✅ Greater innovation and problem-solving
✅ Stronger business performance and customer satisfaction

When employees feel respected and included, they bring their best selves to work. They collaborate more effectively, take ownership of their roles, and drive meaningful results.

Measuring What Matters: Turning Insights into Action

Traditional diversity programs often fall short because they lack measurable impact. Leaders need real-time insights to understand workforce dynamics, uncover biases, and take meaningful action. With advanced workforce analytics, companies can:

📊 Identify patterns in engagement, inclusion, and performance
🔍 Reduce bias in hiring, promotions, and decision-making
📈 Track progress toward a more equitable and high-performing culture

By leveraging data, companies can make informed decisions that foster belonging, drive success, and Advance Dignity at every level.

Building a Culture of Belonging

Creating a thriving workplace isn’t just about policies—it’s about culture. Leaders who prioritize dignity:

🌟 Ensure every voice is heard and valued
🌟 Promote fair opportunities for growth and advancement
🌟 Foster an environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation

A culture of dignity doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentionality, measurement, and commitment. Organizations that embrace this mindset attract top talent, retain employees longer, and future-proof their success.

The Path Forward: Advancing Dignity Together

The future of work belongs to companies that recognize the power of dignity. By using data-driven insights, fostering inclusive cultures, and making strategic workforce decisions, organizations can unlock their full potential.

At Dignii, we help businesses measure and enhance workplace culture, ensuring that dignity remains at the heart of every decision. Ready to build a workplace where employees thrive?