HALIFAX HISTORY

What Emancipation Day means to Nova Scotia

Dr. Charmaine Nelson is a nationally leading researcher and academic, focusing on the history of slavery in Canada, plumbing the depths of a field of study that this country is desperately far behind on. (When The Coast interviewed Nelson in 2021, she explained that in America, there’s a “whole infrastructure” studying the history of slavery that began in the 1970s. “We’re so far behind it’s ridiculous,” she said.)

With today marking the third-annual Emancipation Day—a commemoration of the historical end of slavery in the British Empire—we figured it was the perfect time to resurface our conversation with Nelson to talk about this overlooked part of our past.

Read and watch The Coast’s convo with Charmaine Nelson about Emancipation Day and what it means to Nova Scotia.

Need to know

📄 The Province has released its annual climate change progress report labelling this past year a “pivotal moment” for Nova Scotia.

📈 Nova Scotia’s population is growing faster than ever before which raises the question: Is the province ready to handle a population boom?

🌲 Experience works by 17 Indigenous artists from around the world that take on issues of climate change and more at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.*

*Sponsored Post

SPONSORED BY SHAKESPEARE BY THE SEA

Tis’ the season for theatre, Halifax!

Shakespeare by the Sea excites the audience with the unique joy of live performance. See the greatest plays and stories in the world, in great settings for a great price.

Shakespeare by the Sea is:

• The most accessible presenter of live outdoor theatre in Atlantic Canada.

• The largest outdoor summer theatre festival east of Montreal.

• Dedicated to creating original works based on classic tales and legends.

• Committed to ongoing development of Canadian theatre artists.

Shakespeare by the Sea is an artist-driven collaborative organization. Under the guidance of a board of directors, they offer a full repertory season of outdoor summer theatre from now until September 3. SBTS is pleased to present Romeo & Juliet as their Shakespeare show and Pinocchio as a family show.

Find out more about all they have to offer!

On The Coast

SPONSORED BY THE SHIP’S COMPANY THEATRE

Downed Hearts

By Catherine Banks

Inspired by the Swiss Air 111 disaster that struck off the coast of Peggy’s Cove in 1998, Downed Hearts tells the story of a small island community attempting to cope in the aftermath of tragedy. The play follows Aaron, a young fisherman trying to make sense of what’s happened and what he’s seen as he searches for survivors in the wreckage. One day while out on the water, he finds Belle.

Get your tickets today.

In other news

🚬 New warning labels on individual cigarettes launched today across the country.

⛪️ The historical St. Bernard Church was saved from demolition by the Acadian groups, Nation Prospere Acadie and la Societe Heritage Saint-Bernard.

⚽️ Team Canada was knocked out of the FIFA Women’s World Cup yesterday after suffering a 4-0 loss against Australia.

🎞 Hey local filmmakers, the deadline to apply for an Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative (AFCOOP) grant is today.

LITERATURE

10 books to read about Black experiences in Canada this Emancipation Day

Listening and learning remains a good place to start.

Here, a mix of revered classics and those soon to join their ranks provide both a local and national lens on race, slavery and Black experiences in Canada. Find them at a Halifax library branch or independent bookstore near you.

Sure things

Looking for something to do this week? Check out these Coast picks:

🗓 Movie under the stars: Catch the blockbuster hit Top Gun under the stars in Chickenburger’s parking lot for its summer movie nights. Bring your own chairs! | August 5 | 8:45pm | Free.

🗓 Birch Bark Canoe Building: Drop into this all-ages event and watch a live demonstration by Todd Labrador on how a birch bark canoe is built | August 3 | 12:30-3:30pm | Free.

🗓 Live on Stage: Foo Fighters tribute band, Best of Foo, will be taking the stage at Serpent Brewing this week honouring the band's biggest hits | August 5 | 8pm | $10.

Find more Halifax events in The Coast listings

Shop talk

🍸 The Duke’s Public House officially opened its doors at 2057 Gottingen Street yesterday. Stop in for some good food, drinks and vibes.

Eat this

🦪 In the mood for an evening of oysters? The Brooklyn Warehouse has daily deals between 4-6pm: 6 oysters for $12 and 12 oysters for $20!

Shop this

☕️ You can now purchase local coffee shop Java Blend’s Breakfast and French blend in bulk from The Grainery Food Co-op.

👜 Tatamagouche Brewing Co has restocked its Rooted Bag tote! You can get your hands on one in-store and online.

Deals

🦹 The Villains Theatre is cleaning out its costume stores. Stop by 2583 Oxford Street on August 7 between noon and 5pm for an awesome deal on your next Halloween costume, show costume or outfit.

Have a local special we should feature? Reply back and let us know!