Providing research and support that ensures health equity for ACB individuals!
The Ribbon Rouge Foundation is a grassroots organization that focuses on health equity and facilitates social justice through the Arts. The Ribbon Rouge Foundation facilitates storytelling, community-engaged arts and intentional, meaningful community conversations to change perceptions, stir social conscience, educate the public and create positive social change.
We remain committed to raising the voices of people who experience poorer health outcomes as a result of racialized health disparities. In particular, we focus our service provision on issues related to gender and issues related to race. We believe in the liberating power of the arts to promote self-expression, build community and facilitate positive social change.
Over the years, there has been a steady rise in HIV diagnoses across Canada, with African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities continuing to be disproportionately affected. In Alberta, HIV rates have also increased in recent years, with reported cases in 2023 rising significantly compared to previous years.
Our foundation’s work is a response to these disparities, recognising that these statistics barely scratch the surface of the complex social, economic, political, and cultural drivers behind them.
Our Vision
A more equitable future for African, Caribbean, and Black communities.
Our Mission
Ribbon Rouge Foundation is committed to advancing health equity, social justice, and community well-being through culturally responsive education, advocacy, research, arts-based engagement, and community-led programs that support African, Caribbean, and Black communities.
Our Mandate
The mandate of Ribbon Rouge Foundation is to address systemic barriers affecting ACB communities by promoting awareness, fostering community partnerships, supporting prevention and wellness initiatives, advocating for equitable policies, and creating inclusive spaces for learning, empowerment, and social change.
Our Origin Story
The first ever Ribbon Rouge event was initiated by Moréniké Ọláòṣebìkan, powered by students of the Kamit African Caribbean Society at the University of Alberta and held on the 17th of March 2006. The event was hosted as a “fun” fashion, art and music event to raise funds for HIV relief in African Countries.
The event has since grown into a non-profit Organization registered in Canada, Nigeria and Botswana, with a growing membership of 181; which runs on a constellation model, with multiple initiatives and two subsidiary groups who use art to spread messages for positive social change and advocate for Health Equity for the African, Caribbean, Black community.
Our Recognition
Ribbon Rouge Foundation received a Scotiabank Home-Game Changer Award in 2014
Ribbon Rouge Foundation was recognized by the Canadian Pharmacists' Association Patient Care Achievement Award for Health Promotion in 2017
United effort to help others
Behind our mission is a dedicated group of innovators, problem solvers, and creators who bring our vision to life every day. We believe that great work starts with great people, and we are incredibly proud of the diverse talents that shape everything we do. Want to meet the faces behind the screens?