Province Celebrates African Nova Scotian Community Voices

Contributions by African Nova Scotians to the province's diverse culture and heritage will be recognized with Community Voices, a new community-led initiative.

The initiative responds to feedback from consultations with the community by the African Nova Scotian Affairs division of the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

"African Nova Scotian communities spoke and made it clear that they wanted a way to recognize the many people and places that tell the story of their achievements," said African Nova Scotian Affairs Minister Percy Paris. "The province has listened and is acting on their wishes with this project.

"This is an action plan to protect, promote and preserve African Nova Scotian heritage by celebrating and honouring people and places that have contributed to Nova Scotia's diverse culture and heritage."

Community Voices will help communities celebrate events, recognize important places and individuals through the creation of monuments, honour achievements with awards and collect information about the history of African Nova Scotian communities to be used in education and promotion activities. Resource guides will be available online to assist communities with participation in the program.

"Community Voices, in keeping with what African Nova Scotians told us, is focused on collecting information and sharing it through celebration and recognition," said Black Cultural Society of Nova Scotia president Les Oliver. "We want to draw out what is deserving of protection and promotion with respect to African Nova Scotian heritage and culture.

"We are pleased to move forward in a way that positions us globally as a leader in advancing African heritage."

African Nova Scotian Affairs will host 19 information sessions around the province from May 24 to June 5 to introduce Community Voices. Information about the sessions is available on the African Nova Scotia Affairs website at www.gov.ns.ca/ansa/.