African Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the history, culture and contributions of African Nova Scotians—contributions that continue to shape Nova Scotia’s communities and tourism experiences.

With more than 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities and a cultural legacy spanning over 400 years, African Nova Scotian heritage is foundational to the province’s identity. It also represents a growing opportunity for the tourism sector as travellers increasingly seek authentic, culturally meaningful experiences.

The Value of Cultural Tourism
Cultural tourism is a rapidly growing segments of the global visitor economy. African Nova Scotian experiences—through music, food, festivals, storytelling, historic sites and contemporary arts—offer visitors a deeper connection to place while supporting community-led economic development.

Supporting Industry and Community Collaboration
Tourism Nova Scotia, in collaboration with the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage and African Nova Scotian Affairs, continues to work with African Nova Scotian communities, organizations and entrepreneurs to support cultural tourism development across the province.

This includes investment in festivals and events, amplification of African Nova Scotian stories through provincial marketing and support for partnerships that create new visitor experiences and business opportunities.

African Heritage Month provides an opportunity for industry partners to connect with these initiatives, explore collaboration and consider how African Nova Scotian history and culture can be respectfully and authentically reflected in tourism offerings.

A Year-Round Commitment
While African Heritage Month offers a focused moment of recognition, African Nova Scotian culture and history are part of Nova Scotia’s tourism landscape year-round. By supporting African Nova Scotian-owned businesses, collaborating with communities and ensuring diverse storytelling, industry partners help build a more inclusive and resilient tourism sector.

Together, we can continue to grow a visitor economy that reflects the richness of Nova Scotia’s cultures and communities—today and into the future.

As we honour African Heritage Month, this video offers a glimpse into the cultural traditions, and community leadership of African Nova Scotians. It’s a reminder of the deep roots and living culture that continue to enrich Nova Scotia year‑round.

Related links: 

https://novascotia.com/get-inspired/our-culture/african-nova-scotian-culture/