African Royalty Visits Africville

African royalty from Ghana are participating in the 25th anniversary of the Africville Homecoming Reunion this week.

Barima Kwame Nkyi XII is an Omanhene or paramount chief -- the highest level traditional chief -- from the West African country's Assin Apimanim region. He is visiting Nova Scotia with a delegation including his tribe's queen mother and prince who is acting as his translator.

"We are pleased his Excellency chose Nova Scotia as the one place in Canada to visit his country's descendants and to participate in a series of community activities marking Africville's 25th anniversary reunion," said Barry Barnet, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

Within the paramount chief's region is the river where kidnapped and shackled Africans had the last opportunity to wash before being inspected, categorized and forced to board slave ships bound for North America. To get to the coast, the Africans walked several hundred kilometres from northern Ghana with little or no food. The journey took 30 to 40 days. Those who were too weak to continue were murdered and buried on the banks of the river.

"We are humbled by the Omanhene's presence because he comes from a place that holds many of the customs and traditions that we lost as a people as a result of enslavement," said Wayn Hamilton, chief executive officer of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

"While his Excellency is here, Nova Scotians will have the opportunity to meet someone who represents an important element of the province's African ancestral past," said Mr. Barnet.

The paramount chief will participate in several events during the Africville Homecoming Reunion which runs until July 27. Hosted by the Africville Genealogy Society, most events are being held on the former site of the African Nova Scotian community of Africville, now Seaview Memorial Park, in Halifax.

At 7 p.m. today, July 22, he will bless the opening of the Africville House art exhibit and participate in storytelling during the community meet and greet at Seaview Memorial Park.

A community breakfast will be held in his honour on Wednesday, July 23, at 10 a.m. in the Dalhousie Student Union Building, 6136 University Ave.

More event information is available on the African Nova Scotian Affairs website at www.gov.ns.ca/ansa/events.asp or by calling 902-222-9011.