TaeRoy A.

African Nova Scotian Immigration: The Three Waves

TaeRoy A.
AVRCE Regional Heritage Fair
Wolfville, NS

My project aims to paint out a picture about how African Nova Scotians came to be. Through wars, long journeys, losses, and sacrifice, this is how they came to be. First, the Loyalists who fought in the Revolutionary War came to N.S and worked through and fought for freedom. Even though some left, they still shine out today, making a lasting impact for people of colour. The Maroons and Refugees also went through their large amount of hurdles to live in the world we do today, and my project is all about explaining why these groups are important. 

What sources and evidence did you consult for your project? What different perspectives did they provide on your topic?

During the research segment of my project I got good information and evidence from many different sources. Websites such as https://parks.canada.ca, https://archives.novascotia.ca, https://bccns.com, https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca, and pier21.ca, were used. A lot of my information came from past knowledge regarding the topic, and via an interview with Sylvia Paris-Drummond.

What is the historical significance of your topic?

African Nova Scotian immigration is a vast topic, which also means there are plenty of different aspects of it that make it historically significant. It is historically significant because at the time the three waves were diverse in their respective ways, through not just their ways of immigration, but how they lived, and what happened to them. What was short-term at the time were the wars, (Second Maroon War, Revolutionary War) and the way each group was treated upon arrival (positively and negatively) in N.S. Some of the long term impacts are talked about today, like the Maroons helping build Citadel Hill, and the Loyalists paving the way for activism and rights. 

Why did you choose this topic? 

For me, I chose this topic because I feel that I am deeply connected to it. I myself am an African Nova Scotian, and I've been waiting for a chance to share my knowledge about my ancestry, and how I came to be. I also love history, so a topic that gives lots of areas to explore, while being happy to do it, was a great opportunity.