African Nova Scotians: 20th Century Canadian Legacies

African Nova Scotians established bonds through a number of cultural practices, including religion, sports, food and military service. Many of these practices were historical “firsts,” both in Nova Scotia and in Canada, due to racial segregation and separation in response to exclusion by White Canadians. For example, the African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia is Canada’s oldest Black organization. In addition, the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes was Canada’s first all-Black sports league, and the No. 2 Construction Battalion was Canada’s first all-Black regiment. Although African Nova Scotians experienced discrimination in many facets of their lives, they have also made rich contributions within their communities, in Nova Scotia, and in Canada as a whole. 

This topic explores Community Life in African Nova Scotian settlements. Please click on the objects below to learn more.