Community-Driven Project Shares Resources on Dr. Clement Ligoure and African Nova Scotian Heritage
Halifax, NS – The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, in partnership with the Association of Nova Scotia Museums, the Africville Museum, and the Loyalist Connections Creative Society, is pleased to announce the official launch and release of a community-driven project to highlight the life and legacy of Dr. Clement Ligoure—Halifax’s first Black physician, community leader, and hero of the Halifax Explosion.
Over the past year, project partners have visited 22 museums and archives across the province, researching and digitizing over 300 objects in community museums. Additionally, more than 500 records on NovaMuse.ca have been tagged with cultural affiliations, making it easier for community members to connect with their heritage.
The ultimate goal of this project is to create lasting resources that strengthen understanding of African Nova Scotian heritage and ensure Dr. Ligoure’s contributions are recognized on a provincial and national scale in perpetuity. Therefore, we have created 11 free learning resources available on NovaMuse.ca. These resources include:
- Three 45-minute Podcast Episodes
- Six curriculum-connected bilingual Learning Activities
- Two bilingual “Story” resources
The project also includes a free virtual training opportunity on May 12 for the public as well as heritage organizations to engage with Black Cultural Competency. This session will focus on recognizing the contributions of Black individuals, understand diasporic identities, and work against anti-Black racism and system barriers.
Finally, there are three bilingual pop-up banners available for heritage and educational organizations to borrow that share Dr. Ligoure’s life, advocacy and contributions, as well as immigration and historic Black communities in Nova Scotia. For borrowing information, please contact ANSM.
Altogether, these materials aim to deepen understanding of African Nova Scotian heritage and inspire youth by connecting them with powerful stories of community, resilience, and leadership.
About Dr. Clement Courtenay Ligoure: Born in Trinidad and trained in medicine in Canada, Dr. Ligoure became a tireless advocate for African Nova Scotians. He was an editor of The Atlantic Advocate, provided critical care to over 200 people per day in the wake of the Halifax Explosion, and was a recruiter for No. 2 Construction Battalion — Canada’s only all-Black battalion in military history.
This project was made possible by funding from The John Bragg Award. This award honours projects that highlight the stories of individuals who have shaped Atlantic Canadian history. We are grateful for their support in this important work.
Media Contact
Russell Grosse : rgrosse@bccns.com | 902-456-1477
