Regina's Afro Tribes Addresses Mental Health Stigma Among African Newcomers
The tragic death of 20-year-old Samwel Uko in May 2020 continues to resonate deeply within Regina's African community. Uko, a football player from British Columbia, drowned in Wascana Lake after twice visiting the Regina General Hospital's emergency room for mental health concerns, yet failing to receive adequate care. This heartbreaking incident has become a catalyst for change, driving local efforts to improve mental health support for African newcomers.
A Personal Mission Born from Tragedy
Victor Ejike, co-organizer of the non-profit cultural organization Afro Tribes, reflects on Uko's death with profound emotion. "That particular incident has had a profound influence on me," Ejike states, emphasizing how it highlighted the intersection of race and healthcare access. Although he didn't know Uko personally, Ejike is determined to prevent similar tragedies through advocacy and education.
Motivated by this event, Ejike enrolled in a nursing program shortly after Uko's passing. Since graduating in 2024, he has worked as a registered nurse in the youth psychiatric unit at Pasqua Hospital. Combining his professional expertise with his role as a community leader, Ejike guides African newcomers toward mental health resources they might otherwise overlook.
Bridging Cultural Divides in Mental Health Perception
Ejike and his wife Amarachi, both from Nigeria and Regina residents for nearly a decade, founded Afro Tribes in 2021. The organization aims to help Africans feel at home in the city while addressing the challenges they face during relocation. A key focus this year is raising awareness about mental health, particularly among youth who struggle to convey its importance to parents.
"In the African community, in African culture, mental health is viewed differently. We tend to see it as a spiritual problem rather than a medical problem," Ejike explains. This cultural perspective often leads to stigma, preventing individuals from seeking necessary medical care. Afro Tribes works to reframe mental health as a legitimate health issue, not a personal or spiritual failing.
Community Initiatives and Future Plans
To mark Black History Month and Valentine's Day, Afro Tribes hosted Love Jazz, a gala at the Delta Hotel featuring music, dinner, and a keynote speaker discussing support for youth with depression or mood disorders. Ejike sees such events as vital for fostering community dialogue. "There's no better way to celebrate than coming together to highlight an issue affecting our community," he remarks.
During the event, Ejike distributed cards listing mental health resources, hoping they might encourage someone to seek help. Additionally, Afro Tribes plans to launch an online awareness campaign called Stay Alive later this month, aimed at destigmatizing mental health among Africans in Regina.
The Importance of Support for Newcomers
Ejike stresses that newcomers often face unique stresses in Canada, lacking the familiar community networks they had back home. These difficulties can exacerbate mental health challenges, making culturally sensitive support crucial. Through Afro Tribes, Ejike and his team provide a lifeline, ensuring that African newcomers know where to turn during crises.
By addressing both systemic barriers and cultural misconceptions, Afro Tribes is making strides in improving mental health outcomes for Regina's African community. Their work honors Samwel Uko's memory while building a safer, more supportive environment for all newcomers.
