Celebrating Haitian Flag Day with support for Haitian women

"This is immensely important for the Haitian communities," says Commodore Jacques Olivier of the Canadian Armed Forces, a Haitian-born Canadian, at a celebration of the creation of the Haitian flag. It takes place every year on May 18.

By News Staff

Every year, on May 18, Haitians all over the world, come together to celebrate the creation of their flag — and the first free Black republic in the world.

The flag serves as a reminder of the nation’s political independence, but for the 140,000 Quebecers of Haitian descent the day also serves as a reminder of what more can be done to support the community, both here and in Haiti.

(Credit: Martin Daigle, CityNews Image)

On this year’s 220th anniversary, the Business Professional Women Montreal (BPW) is launching its new mentoring program for Haitian professional women and entrepreneurs.

The program is the result of a partnership with the Haitian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIHC), the Centre Kaizen, and with the financial participation of the Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie. It also includes the presence and participation of the Canadian Armed Forces.

READ: Montreal Caribbean-themed brunch for Mother’s Day

“Today, we’ve been invited to join the Haitian community and celebrate the 220th anniversary of the Haitian flag,” said Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan, Chief of Professional Conduct and Culture of the Canadian Armed Forces, “and at the same time participate in and support the program for mentorship the community is setting up for Haitian women entrepreneurs.”

Mentorship program paving the way for the future

The program aims to provide a link between women in Haiti and women in Canada.

“Women, Haitian women have so much potential,” says Nahomie Millien, the founder and CEO of the Kaizen Centre, “but there are structural inequalities that stop them, really stop them.”

But she sees mentorship programs such as these as providing hope and faith in the future.

“The program for me is like a light,” says Millien, “to see that we can hope, we can continue working even if we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but we have to build our tomorrow with partners.”

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today