Office Launches Website and Logo
A new logo and website are helping Nova Scotians become familiar with the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs (ANSA) -- the only office of its kind in Canada.
The ANSA website (www.gov.ns.ca/ansa ) features historical facts about the African Nova Scotian community, as well as information about the office and its mission, vision, mandate and goals. The office's quarterly newsletter will be posted regularly along with any notices or news releases. The site also features a community events page that will be updated weekly. All pages are framed with photos of members of the African Nova Scotian community.
The website also includes a page detailing the office's new logo. The logo's overall design is in the shape of a mayflower, Nova Scotia's official flower. The flower's pedals are a ring of seagulls.
"In our folklore, birds represent freedom and carry the souls of the ancestors," said Wayn Hamilton, ANSA'S interim executive director.
The flower's centre is a black star, another important symbol in African Canadian history and culture. The colour represents the people; the Black Star of Africa symbolizes hope and honour; a star has been a symbol of emancipation and unity; and enslaved Africans followed the North Star to find their way to the next stop along the underground railroad. Finally, the points of the star are moving forward, symbolizing the advancement of a people.
On the ANSA website the logo is animated so visitors can identify and experience all aspects of the symbol.
"The logo is an innovative and creative way for Nova Scotians to immediately identify the office," said Barry Barnet, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs. "It is a symbol of the hard work and commitment that has gone into creating this office and of the community it represents."
"The website and logo are important identifiers to remind government and community we are here forging a positive future," said Mr. Hamilton.
ANSA was created in August 2003 and was formally legislated during the fall sitting of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 2005.
In August the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs will begin operating out of its new and permanent location at 5670 Spring Garden Rd. in Halifax. The office currently has three staff members and is now advertising for several other positions.
"The African Nova Scotian community has been waiting for this office to officially have a storefront and staff. We're now finally able to give it to them," said Mr. Barnet.
The Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs' mandate is to assist, support and enhance the provincial government's delivery of services to African Nova Scotians. It is also to be a partner in developing innovative solutions that lead to self-reliance and sustainability for African Nova Scotian communities.