The Ushauri provides African Canadian oversight and community guidance to the work of creating a CIPAD that is truly representative of a movement towards an African centred, inclusive, progressive, strategic and forward-thinking national community. The members of the Ushauri represent an intersection of the diverse peoples and interests that make up Canada’s African/Black community. They possess a broad knowledge of Canada’s African/Black communities and its rich cultural diversity. The Ushauri is guided by principles forged in members’ commitment to all voices being heard and valued and all members contributing to the creation, guardianship and stewardship of the Canadian Institute for People of African Descent.