Canadian Black Nurses Alliance Builds Community and Support at USask

The Canadian Black Nurses Alliance – University of Saskatchewan (CBNA-USask) is an academic chapter of the national Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA).

The mission of the CBNA is to serve, mentor, and empower Black Canadian nurses through the power of community.

The first national organization for Black nurses in Canada, CBNA was born from the long-standing need for the voices of Black nurses to be heard.

CBNA-USask was established in 2025 by recent College of Nursing alumna Ajah Maluk, who recognized the need for a dedicated space for Black nursing students.

Through her work supporting students and fostering spaces where they can share their experiences of racism and discrimination, Maluk recognized the importance of building a community grounded not only in advocacy, but also in shared understanding and healing.

The chapter also received instrumental support from the national CBNA, including Ovie Onagbeboma, founder and CEO of CBNA, as well as Flo Mudzongo from Student Wellness at USask, who continues to provide emotional and wellness-focused support to the group.

CBNA-USask focuses on fostering belonging and promoting student success through peer support and mentorship.

Through its connection to the national organization, students can engage with Black nurses and leaders across Canada.

“This group is committed to fostering safe spaces for Black nursing students to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Njemile Wickham, fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student and co-president of CBNA-USask, alongside Ifunanya Obidalo, fourth-year BSN student.

“This community shows what collective care truly looks like – we listen, we advocate, we heal, and we remind each other that we are not alone,” said Wickham.

In the upcoming months, CBNA-USask plans to collaborate closely with Student Wellness at USask to offer programming centered on healing and connection, including storytelling, shared meals, and creative expression through music and art therapy.

The group also aims to uplift Black-authored resources, including Dear Black Canadian Nursing Student by Ajah Maluk, grounding their initiatives in lived experience and intergenerational support.

Since launching, the group has seen a strong response from Black nursing students who describe feeling more empowered to speak openly, seek support, and recognize their experiences are not personal failings.

While the focus of the CBNA-USask is on Black nursing students, membership is open to allies of all communities who support the group’s mission of equity and inclusion in nursing.

The chapter’s work aligns with broader conversations in health care about cultural safety and equity in health-related fields.

By supporting Black nursing students, CBNA-USask contributes to a more diverse and inclusive nursing workforce for the future.

Follow the CBNA-USask chapter on Instagram to learn more about upcoming events and opportunities.