The Loyalist Connections Podcast

In the final episode, which grounds Dr. Clement Ligoure’s history in community memory, Shawn speaks with Hal Davidson of Amherst, Nova Scotia, a town councilor, former deputy mayor, and community historian. Hal shares knowledge of the African Nova Scotian community's history, particularly the Number Two Construction Battalion and its legacy. He discusses his personal connection to this history through his great uncle, who served in the battalion and later became a pastor. The conversation considers the structural racism faced by Black people in the military and the significance of recognizing and preserving this history.

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For reference information, check out the Dr. Ligoure story on NovaMuse.ca

This second episode revisits Dr. Clement Ligoure in Nova Scotia. It examines why, despite being qualified and recommended, he was denied appointment as Medical Officer for the No. 2 Construction Battalion during the First World War. Shawn interviews Mary Beth Sutherland, community advocate and granddaughter of Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Hugh Sutherland, the battalion’s commanding officer, who pushed for Black officers, including a chaplain (Rev. Andrew White) and Dr. Ligoure.

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For reference information, check out the Dr. Ligoure story on NovaMuse.ca

Host Shawn Smith launches a three-part series on Dr. Clement Courtney Ligoure, tracing his path from Trinidad to the United States, medical training in Ontario, and his 1916 arrival in Halifax. With historian Graham Nickerson, the episode situates Ligoure's story inside broader Black migration, Caribbean economic change after emancipation, and the racism and policies which shaped opportunity, including Canada’s early 1900s restrictions on Black immigration.

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For reference information, check out the Dr. Ligoure story on NovaMuse.ca

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Black Loyalist Heritage Centre

Trafficking in Antiblackness: Modern-Day Slavery, White Indemnity, and Racial Justice

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Recorded after the inaugural 2023 BLACK conference, Shawn and Graham reconnect with Lyndsey Beutin as part of this two-part series reflecting on how to build spaces to discuss the legacy of anti-Black racism, media, and liberation. Lyndsey, a scholar of media studies and African diaspora studies, explains her research on the racial politics of communication and anti-trafficking campaigns. The conversation shifts through historical examples of anti-black racism in the media, and addresses Canada’s branding, missionary/humanitarian harms, marketing tropes and DEI backlash.

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Black Loyalist Heritage Centre

Trafficking in Antiblackness: Modern-Day Slavery, White Indemnity, and Racial Justise

Our final episode brings us to Cherrybrook, Nova Scotia, where I sit down with Debbie Vaillancourt-Higgins, owner of Opus Café and Catering. Debbie shares the significance of Opus Café, her family's deep ties to the African Nova Scotian community, and how those roots continue to guide her entrepreneurial journey. Together, we unlock generational wisdom and explore how food, love, and storytelling can transform a dining experience into a true community hub—a place to gather, reflect, and heal.

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Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms!

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This episode of the African Nova Scotian Culinary series highlights the story of Chef Donna Gogan, owner of Portlander Jamaican Restaurant in Amherst, Nova Scotia. Donna shares her journey from Jamaica to Nova Scotia, bringing the bold flavours of her heritage to the Maritimes, and discusses the importance of community support, the challenges of sourcing ingredients, and the labour of love involved in preparing delicious food. The episode offers insights into how Donna's creative twists on traditional dishes have won over locals. It explores the significance of entrepreneurship and cultural cuisine in fostering community connections.

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Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms!

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Chef Leon Hamilton joins Shawn Smith to discuss his journey in the culinary arts, rooted in African Nova Scotian traditions and innovation. Chef Leon shares stories about his inspirations, including mentors in his community, and his approach to comfort food, emphasizing complete, satisfying, and accessible meals. The conversation covers his experiences teaching youth through programs like the Fruits of Our Labour, his journey to becoming a Red Seal certified cook, and the impact of culinary arts on preserving cultural heritage.

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Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms!

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This episode of the African Nova Scotian Culinary series, host Shawn Smith visits 'Honey Bees' in Yarmouth, a transformative cultural food hub transformed by Chef Sonia Park and Troy Lawrence. The episode explores the unique fusion of Korean, Japanese, and Thai flavours that define Honey Bees' offerings, as well as the couple's journey from Toronto back to their small-town roots. Troy discusses the importance of community involvement, respect for diverse cultures in the kitchen, and practical strategies for maintaining a successful multicultural team. The episode concludes with a heartfelt discussion about mentorship, community loyalty, and entrepreneurial advice.

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In the opening episode of the African Nova Scotian Culinary series, Shawn Smith sits down with Chef Pamela Alexander Leonforde, the passionate founder of Café Caye Mange in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Chef Pamela shares her inspiring journey from St. Lucia to Nova Scotia, the cultural significance behind her restaurant's name, and her commitment to intertwining her heritage into every dish. She reflects on the community support that helped her establish Café Caye Mange, her dedication to plant-based healing foods, and the importance of holistic health. This conversation unfolds Chef Pamela's global culinary experiences and her mission to educate and inspire through food.

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Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms!

For more information on Café Caye Mange: