Premier Danielle Smith, the MLA for Brooks–Medicine Hat and a High River resident, issued a provincial statement on February 1, 2026, marking the start of Black History Month. This year marks the 100th anniversary of organized Black history commemorations in Canada and the province’s messaging emphasized the legacy and leadership of Black Albertans.
The provincial government is supporting community activities through the Ethnocultural Grant Program. In the 2025–26 intake, the program awarded $3,059,865.55 to 96 community organizations to help local groups share their heritage and support projects that build intercultural connections.
Local residents can attend a High River Library event on February 3, 2026; the library’s events calendar lists a ‘Newcomers Welcoming Hub’ on that date from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The library has been acting as a local hub for genealogy and storytelling programs, and local organizers have linked library programming to Black History Month commemorations in the region.
Educational efforts are also underway in local classrooms. The Foothills School Division has been working to include more diverse perspectives in its history lessons, including specialized programming such as a Holocaust and Human Rights course at Highwood High School. According to the Premier’s Office, these commemorations help ensure that the contributions of Black Albertans are recognized as a vital part of the province’s past and future.
