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About Zetna

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Zetna Collective is a dedicated community organization that aims to foster positive life experiences for Black, African, and Caribbean queer and trans individuals in Edmonton.

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Our journey began with Dawn Carter, a writer, educator, performance poet, public speaker, entrepreneur, and activist of Caribbean heritage. Dawn's family emigrated from England to rural Alberta, eventually settling in North Edmonton.

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While coming out as queer later in life, Dawn noticed the lack of spaces where Black queer and trans individuals could feel at home.

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Inspired by the need for representation and support, Dawn founded Zetna Collective to create a haven for authenticity and celebration for like-minded folks who share lived experiences.

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Past, Present, and Future

2023

Accepted as a grassroots member of the Enchanté Network, a national organization by and for the 2SLGBTQIA+ serving organizations across Canada.

January 2024

Federally incorporated.

Winter 2024

Shared a space with Shades of Colour, a local grassroots organization for racialized 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Shades of Colour, funded by Patreon donations, graciously let us use the space for free. They inspired us to apply for the United Way grant.

March 2024

Represented Zetna Collective in Ottawa at the Enchanté Network’s inaugural 2SLGBTQIA+ Black Futures Summit.

Summer 2024

Received our first grant from Women and Gender Equality Canada to host the Queering Black Prairie Futures Summit in Edmonton. This summit is part of the BlackSummer Pride & Beyond project, and findings will support our future programming.

2024

Submitted grant applications to Foundation for Black Communities, Big Ideas Grant & Enchanté Network’s Rainbow Resilience Fund. Launched website.

Meet Our Founder

Dawn Carter, the founder and visionary behind Zetna Collective, is a writer, educator, performance poet, public speaker, entrepreneur, and community advocate of Barbadian British Canadian heritage. As the first Black woman to run a major 2SLGBTQIA+ organization in Western Canada, Dawn has been a trailblazer in her field.

Dawn emigrated with her family from England amidst rising anti-Black racism. They initially lived in rural Alberta before settling in Edmonton. After spending a few years in Toronto, she returned to Edmonton, identifying as a “Northsider” for life with pride.

Drawing from her rich life experiences, Dawn creates art and builds community through telling compelling stories, raising awareness, and contributing significantly to the social landscape of Black Canada. Her leadership and vision have been instrumental in the creation and success of Zetna Collective.

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