Hello!
Mission
QueensConnected curates spaces for Black and racialized women to gather, celebrate, unpack, and heal in community from the experiences of racism, discrimination, and erasure we face on a daily basis.
About Me
My name is Naika Thomas and I am a Health Equity Specialist. I lead organizational anti-racism/anti-oppression initiatives, which include developing policies and procedures, chairing a community of practice, facilitating check-ins for Indigenous, Black, and racialized employees, and leading anti-racism education sessions. I also consult with employees and leaders on issues relating to racism/discrimination.
I have worked in public health for over 15 years. I completed a Bachelors of Science degree at McMaster University and obtained a Masters of Public Health degree from Simon Fraser University. Born and raised in Canada to Haitian parents, I currently live in Ottawa with my husband and two daughters.
If you would like to work with me, please visit the Services page for more information.
Land Acknowledgment
I acknowledge that the City of Ottawa was built on stolen land, originally belonging to the Anishinaabeg Algonquin Nation, who have lived on this territory for millennia. I am deeply grateful to the land and the the Anishnaabeg Algonquin Nation for their stewardship, which I have and continue to benefit from.
As displanted Afrikans, many of our ancestors were forcefully brought here or to other lands against their will, while many chose to migrate to this land.
I stand in solidarity with the Anishnabeeg Algonquin people, other First Nation, Inuit, and Metis peoples whose lands were taken, as well as global Indigenous groups who are in the process of losing their lands and their right to exist. I commit to pushing for social justice for what has occurred in the past and is occurring presently. One of the ways I want to do this now is by supporting the land back movement here in Ottawa.
As a mother, I commit to teaching my daughters all of Canada’s history, exploring with them First Nations, Inuit, and Métis culture and heritage, as well as teaching them about colonialism, White supremacy, and how our liberation as Black women and people is tied to the liberation of all colonized groups, from Turtle Island, Haiti, Palestine, Sudan, Congo, and so on.