Lesson Plan: Learning about Africville

Lesson Plan

Before Exploring

Ask the students if they have ever heard of a Canadian community called "Africville." What would they associate with a place with such a name? Also ask students what they know about the origins of the African-Canadian communities that currently exist in Canada. Inform students that they will be using CBC Digital Archives to learn about Africville.

Outline the Opportunity

Have students browse the topic Africville: Expropriating Black Nova Scotians for as much time as they wish, and ask them to make notes on what they find out about Africville from it. They should prepare a list of at least 10 facts about Africville that they learned from browsing the site. They should also write a short paragraph stating their views or impressions of Africville.

Revisit and Reflect

Pose the following question to students: Based on what you have learned about Africville, what do you think it would have been like to live there?

Ask students to present their response, either orally or in writing. Students should use the information they gathered, as well as their impressions from exploring the site. Students should consider both the unattractive and attractive features of Africville, as well as local residents' opinions on life there.

Extension

Ask students to imagine that they are Africville residents during the 1960s. Have them prepare and present a town-hall meeting to discuss whether or not they agree with the decision of the Halifax City Council to demolish their community and relocate them in other parts of the city.