New Learning Resource for African Canadian Studies

A journal chronicling pivotal moments in Nova Scotia's black history was introduced today, Feb. 28, as a new learning resource to support students of African Canadian Studies and African Heritage 12.

The Times of African Nova Scotians – A Celebration of Our History, Culture and Traditions brings to life events and notable figures from the province's past.

The 36-page journal, published by Effective Publishing, takes students and teachers through 400 years of African Nova Scotian history, from the slave trade and the arrival of the black loyalists to Viola Desmond's courageous refusal to give up her seat in the whites-only section of a New Glasgow theatre.

The publication, a joint project of the Department of Education and the Council on African Canadian Education, is being distributed to all junior and senior high school social studies students across the province.

"In a province proud of its multicultural mosaic, this publication provides our teachers and students with an excellent opportunity to learn more about African Nova Scotian history," said Education Minister Karen Casey.

"The Department of Education is committed to expanding the horizons of our students through an inclusive curriculum, reflecting the diversity of Nova Scotia and Canada," she said.

The Times of African Nova Scotians is peer-reviewed by some of the leading scholars on African Canadian history.

Nancie de la Chevotière, who teaches English 12: African Canadian Heritage at Halifax West High School, said the resource will be extremely valuable to her students and to Canadian history as a whole.

It is about time that the many great and wonderful contributions made by African Nova Scotians are recognized and celebrated," she said. "Everyone, regardless of their skin colour, will benefit from this powerful resource."

"The Council on African Canadian Education promotes and supports the production of high-quality, school-based resources that centre African Nova Scotian learners in their own social, cultural and historical references. The Times African Nova Scotians does exactly this," said Delvina Bernard, executive director of the Council on African Canadian Education.