Honouring Black History Month at IKEA Canada

Black History Month is a particularly poignant moment this year—while we honour the hard-fought achievements of Black Canadians, we are also reminded that the work of building a more just, equitable future continues.

We will celebrate Black History Month by focusing on the Black equality initiatives we are committed to. Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people, and we believe that a better every day is also an equal every day. We deeply condemn racism and prejudice and have zero tolerance towards any racist or discriminatory behaviour. As a purpose-led organization, we have the collective power and responsibility to be part of real change through meaningful action.

Last June, we recommitted ourselves to supporting greater ethnic and racial equity and inclusion in Canada. Since then, we’ve grown our efforts to drive meaningful change throughout our organization and in our communities through new and renewed partnerships; donations to Canadian advocacy organizations; “Equality is a Human Right, Diversity and Inclusion” training for all leaders and co-workers; and support circles for co-workers across the country to share their experiences and receive support. As part of the Ingka Group Equality Plan, we’ve also committed to increasing ethnic, racial and national diversity at all levels of our leadership, in Canada and globally. Our Equality Plan consists of three movements; enabling us to reach our wished position to become world leader in equality through a diverse and inclusive workforce where each one of us can be themselves, equality throughout our business practices, and by taking an activist role for social change, enabling co-workers, customers and communities to become change makers for equality.

This month, on behalf of IKEA Canada, I will sign the BlackNorth Pledge, further committing us to tackling systemic anti-Black racism, together with our industry peers, our co-workers, and our communities. The BlackNorth Initiative (BNI), along with over 400 signatories, are calling on Canadian employers to implement concrete tangible changes to create opportunities within their companies for Black people through accountability and ongoing actions. By working together toward true diversity and inclusion within the broader business community, we can cultivate meaningful change for our society.

We look forward to honouring Black History Month and using this time to elevate and uplift Black voices, including our co-workers, using both internal and external IKEA Canada channels to share diverse stories and resources.

At IKEA, it is our ambition to become a world leader in equality. We remain resolute in our commitment to securing long-term, sustainable, and positive change, and continuing to take a stand against racism and inequality in all forms. Together, let's remain focused on leading by example and demonstrating how acceptance, care, and respect for our differences make us stronger.

Our journey continues.

Mike Ward

CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer
IKEA Canada