African Nova Scotian connections

Dal staff, community members and children pose with the African Nova Scotian flag on campus.

A distinct people

African Nova Scotians/Indigenous Blacks are a distinct people who descend from free and enslaved Black Planters, Black Loyalists, Black Refugees, Maroons, and other Black people who inhabited the original 52 land-based Black communities in that part of Mi'kma'ki known as Nova Scotia. Today, there are approximately 20,000 African Nova Scotians living in the province and many more living across Canada.��

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"H�� recognizes African Nova Scotians as a distinct people and acknowledges how they have shaped this province and University over centuries”

University Proclamation of the International Decade for People of African Descent, 2018

Join Dal's African Nova Scotian Strategy Advisory Council

Are you a current Dal student who identifies as African Nova Scotian? Are you interested in connecting with members of the African Nova Scotian community, providing input on upcoming initiatives and gaining valuable experience in the areas of policy development and equity? Read more about the opportunity to join Dal's African Nova Scotia Strategy Advisory Council [PDF - 150Kb]

African Nova Scotian Strategy

Through the implementation of our African Nova Scotian Strategy, H�� commits to creating safe, culturally-specific academic, research, social, intellectual, and physical spaces to nourish and facilitate meaningful and safe integration both on our campuses and in our engagements with the broader African Nova Scotian community.��

Explore the African Nova Scotian Strategy

African Nova Scotian Acknowledgement

We recognize that African Nova Scotians are a distinct people whose histories, legacies, and contributions have enriched that part of Mi’kma’ki known as Nova Scotia for over 400 years.

Learn more about the African Nova Scotian Acknowledgement

African Nova Scotian Advisory Council

The advisory council is composed of dedicated community leaders, many of whom are also H�� students, staff, alumni and faculty members.

Learn more about the African Nova Scotian Advisory Council

Director of African Nova Scotian Community Engagement

The director takes an institutional leadership role in working to implement the African Nova Scotian Strategy recommendations on campus while actively supporting the access and success of prospective and current African Nova Scotian members of the H�� community.��

Jalana Lewis, BA, JD (She/Her)��
Director, African Nova Scotian Community Engagement
jalana.lewis@dal.ca��
(902) 499-4413

Upcoming and current events

August 1st, 2024

Freedom Narratives

Emancipation Day Art Celebration. Featuring presentations and a panel discussion with acclaimed artists and writers.

Headshots of freedom narrative event participants

February 2024

African Heritage Month at H��

This year's theme is��Our Smile, Our Joy, Our Resilience as African Nova Scotians.

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