African Nova Scotian Community Developing Heritage Resources
News Release
Gibson Woods United Baptist Church to become a cultural tourism destination
February 7, 2018 – Gibson Woods, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Investing in public sites such as the Gibson Woods United Baptist Church and the Mathieu Da Costa African heritage trail helps connect people to the deep roots of Canada’s African Nova Scotian communities throughout the province. These places hold great historical and cultural significance and are of special interest to visitors from the African diaspora as well as to others from around the world. That is why the Government of Canada is investing in a project to improve the Mathieu Da Costa trail and transform the Gibson Woods United Baptist Church into an experiential tourism and educational destination.
The Honourable Scott Brison, Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants and President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced a contribution of $69,770 to Gibson Woods United Baptist Church. The funding supports renovations to the church and former segregated school, as well as land improvements to the Mathieu Da Costa Trail.
The contribution is being made through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, which helps Atlantic communities develop tourism destinations by improving cultural assets and community infrastructure. The Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage is contributing an additional $40,000, while the Municipality of the County of Kings is providing $14,512.
ACOA’s investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to develop community infrastructure that recognizes the vital role everyone plays in advancing our economic, social and environmental well-being.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada believes that community infrastructure plays an essential role in attracting investment and enhancing productivity. Investment in regionally significant infrastructure projects, such as the development of Gibson Woods United Church as a heritage asset, will support growth in Atlantic Canada and position the region as a tourism destination nationally and internationally.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“It is a pleasure to recognize the community spirit, passion and leadership exemplified by Geraldine Browning and other community members who are volunteering their time to honour African Nova Scotians’ rich contributions to the province and country. The entire region will benefit from the positive impacts of their commitment to transform the historical setting of Gibson Woods United Baptist Church into a tourism destination for visitors and residents alike.”
- The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants
“This infrastructure investment is a prime example of culture and heritage coming together in a special place for Nova Scotians and visitors alike. The project is a celebration of remarkable African Nova Scotians, their history, and vibrant communities. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, we are providing Nova Scotians with the opportunity to maintain important social connections and enjoy what their communities have to offer.”
- The Honourable Tony Ince, Acting Nova Scotia Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage
“This investment is indicative of the value that the investing partners, including the Municipality of Kings, place on our history and culture, here, in this place. The project enables us to freeze a moment in time. All such projects are placemarks in our history as a people. We celebrate that; and we acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Gibson Woods community in bringing this initiative forward.”
- Mayor Peter Muttart, Municipality of Kings
“Gibson Woods United Baptist Church’s goal is to strengthen the legacy of the historic and culturally significant African Nova Scotian community of Gibson Woods. We are excited to improve the standard of this community space and expand its public use for cultural, tourism and economic development activities. This aligns with the global observance of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent.”
- Geraldine Browning, Gibson Woods United Baptist Church
Quick Facts
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· The Mathieu Da Costa trail is the first trail in Canada to recognize African history and culture. It was recognized by Parks Canada and Canadian Heritage as a point of historical significance in 1999.
· Established in 1902, Gibson Woods United Baptist Church’s mandate is to provide spiritual guidance and to protect and strengthen the legacy and vitality of the historic and culturally significant African Nova Scotian community.
· Geraldine Browning, a 2017 Order of Nova Scotia recipient, was a founding member of the Black Business Initiative, Black Cultural Society, and Valley African Nova Scotian Development Association.
· Improving this community space will help increase its use, as well as attract and retain residents with historical and cultural links to North Kings in the communities of Gibson Woods, Cambridge, Aldershot and North Kentville.
Associated Links
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Wendy Elliott
The Kings County Advertiser
Phone: (902) 681-2121