The past and present weave through this beautiful picture book about a young girl visiting Africville, the home of her ancestors. Rich memories of colourful houses, bounties of land and sea and children playing all come to life through the child's imagination, while she searches for the sundial on which her great-grandmother's name is carved. As she joyfully shares in the stories and songs of the Africville Reunion Festival, this descendant teaches young readers that Africville is a special place which honours and celebrates the heritage of the Black Canadians who once called this tiny village home.
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The simple story and accompanying description of Africville's history and legacy supports Grade K-2 Social Studies outcomes exploring Canada's cultural diversity, human rights and social justice. Students will also deepen their understanding of how traditions strengthen societal connections, build understanding and celebrate community. Young readers will develop comrehension skills by exploring the meaning behind the text and reflecting on the message communicated by the story.
A class might create a mural of the Africville timeline to raise awareness of how former residents of this community fought to have this site recognized as a National Historic Site that promotes cultural understanding. Students could also include information about other prominent civil rights activists like Viola Desmond or Jean Augustine.
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