Community Consultations Report Released

Suggestions from community meetings on ways to establish a lasting form of recognition for African Nova Scotians are highlighted in a report released today, Oct. 28.

The Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs gathered ideas during seven consultation sessions across the province this past spring.

"I was pleased with both the volume and the thoughtfulness of the feedback we received," said Percy Paris, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs. "For all the many ideas discussed, an overwhelming majority made it clear they would like to see a form of recognition that honours and celebrates the broad experiences of African Nova Scotian communities throughout the province."

The most common ideas included holding a community day of celebration, creating an online resource linking African Nova Scotian communities and building or restoring landmarks and sites of significance around the province.

The report is available at www.gov.ns.ca/ansa. People can provide further input by downloading a questionnaire from the website and returning to <[email protected]> by Nov. 30.

From there, African Nova Scotian Affairs will work with community organizations around the province to develop a proposal for the 2012-13 fiscal year.

"We want to continue our work with community members as we hone these suggestions and move toward establishing something truly beneficial for all Nova Scotians in the near future," said Mr. Paris.