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Supporting Anti-Racism Through Cultural Education and Community Collaboration: African Nova Scotian and Mi’kmaw Learning Experiences

by NorthendCHC,

We are pleased to share an overview of our work through the African Nova Scotian and Mi’kmaw Learning Experiences project, made possible by the OEA Community Network Grant, funded by the Nova Scotia Office of Equity and Anti-Racism.

Rooted in the values of truth, reconciliation, and equity, our project focused on anti-racism education and awareness grounded in the lived experiences of African Nova Scotian and Mi’kmaw communities. Through community-based activities, we aimed to amplify voices often silenced, challenge systemic barriers, and foster cross-cultural learning rooted in solidarity and mutual respect.

Over the past six months, we developed and delivered educational workshops, cultural experiences, and resource materials grounded in Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk), blending Indigenous and Western ways of knowing. These sessions engaged 175 tenants in our supportive housing units and 55 staff members, with events held in meaningful community spaces such as the North Memorial Library, Black Cultural Centre, and Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. Highlights included:

  • Cultural film viewings and discussions (e.g., Fitting for Shoes)

  • Tours of local cultural institutions and community support spaces

  • “Food for Culture” cooking sessions centered on cultural identity

  • A community celebration to close the project in March

Each gathering reinforced pride in identity, empowered participants with tools for advocacy, and encouraged meaningful dialogue about racism, equity, and resilience.

What We Learned:
Creating culturally safe spaces is essential. While these conversations are powerful, they can also be emotionally heavy. We’ve learned the importance of incorporating mental health supports and ensuring facilitators are equipped to guide participants through difficult truths with care.

We also learned that authentic collaboration across African Nova Scotian and Mi’kmaw communities requires trust, time, and an understanding of unique cultural histories. Our project emphasized the need for long-term, sustained investment in this work—not just in funding but in relationships and systems change.

What’s Next:
As we reflect on this experience, we are committed to continuing this work beyond the grant period by:

  • Sharing our culturally relevant resources and tools with local schools, community partners, and housing providers

  • Supporting the integration of anti-racist education in institutional settings

  • Encouraging leadership development among youth and emerging leaders in our communities

  • Exploring ways to make these engagements permanent through ongoing community-driven programming

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Submitted by the North End Community Health Centre
[Contact: northend@nechc.com | 2131 Gottingen Street, Halifax]

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