Coalition calls on Houston for long-term funding to African Nova Scotian community groups

A coalition representing the interests of African Nova Scotians is urging the Houston government to demonstrate its commitment to a United Nations initiative with tangible financial support. Premier Tim Houston recently reiterated his government’s support for the International Decade for People of African Descent, extending the initiative to 2034. While this proclamation is a positive step, the African Nova Scotian Decade for People of African Descent Coalition emphasizes the need for stable funding to sustain their advocacy efforts.

Bernadette Hamilton-Reid, the coalition’s executive director, questions the practical impact of the proclamation on the community without sufficient financial backing. She emphasizes the importance of funding to support organizations serving African Nova Scotians and enable them to thrive. The coalition’s mission includes fostering a productive relationship with the government to enhance the well-being of African-descended individuals in Nova Scotia.

In response to inquiries about increased funding for the coalition in the upcoming budget, the Department of African Nova Scotian Affairs emphasized the need for collaboration and investment in the ongoing work aligned with the UN initiative. While specific funding decisions are subject to established processes, the government remains committed to supporting organizations like the coalition in their essential work.

The UN’s International Decade for People of African Descent aims to promote and protect the human rights of individuals of African descent globally. Hamilton-Reid stresses the importance of securing stable and recurring funding in the upcoming spring budget to advance the coalition’s efforts in meeting the UN’s objectives. Without core funding, the coalition’s working groups focused on community services, health, and justice face challenges in sustaining their operations.

African Heritage Month commenced with the unveiling of a poster at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, showcasing this year’s theme, Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance. As the month-long celebration unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the contributions and achievements of Black Canadians. The coalition’s call for consistent financial support underscores the need for concrete actions to uplift and empower African Nova Scotians.