africanavillage.com

africana village & museum @ the waterfront a visionary social enterprise celebrating 400+ years of african-canadian history & culture africana village & museum is a proposed african-canadian cultural heritage destination and museum located in the heart of toronto’s port lands. this groundbreaking project celebrates the past, present, and future of african-canadian contributions to the nation, while honouring the broader tapestry of continental african and african diaspora culture. imagine a “chocolate city” on toronto’s waterfront—a living village filled with africentric art, music, cuisine, history, and commerce. a dynamic destination for people of all backgrounds who value black excellence, innovation, and culture. the case for africana village & museum history is clear: african-canadians are de facto one of the founding peoples of canada. in 1603, mathieu da costa, a black man of african-portuguese descent, served as an interpreter for french merchant pierre dugua and explorer samuel de champlain. da costa spoke the language of the mi'kmaq nation and guided this party through lands that would become new france. “how can one be a guide without having already explored the terrain?” if we were to hire someone to explore mars, would we not credit them as a discoverer? so why not da costa? we believe that fairness and historical justice support our claim: african-canadians are founding peoples of this country. despite racist omissions in eurocentric history books, black scholars and historians continue to uncover the truth that has long been ignored. further, the presence of black empire loyalists in the 1700s—many of whom settled in ontario, including toronto—reinforces the foundational role of african-canadians, enslaved and free, in shaping this land. global recognition & the international decade africana village & museum aligns directly with the goals and values of the united nations' international decade for people of african descent (2015–2024), proclaimed by un general assembly resolution 68/237. this global initiative seeks to: celebrate the contributions of people of african descent worldwide advance social justice and inclusion policies eradicate racism and intolerance promote human rights assist in building prosperous communities, in line with the un sustainable development goals this decade provides a powerful, internationally supported framework for recognizing, empowering, and investing in people of african descent. africana village & museum is a concrete response to that call—a living example of recognition, justice, and development in action. it also builds on the foundation of the international year for people of african descent (2011), underscoring the vital role african descendants play in shaping our shared societies and the urgent need for tangible measures that ensure full inclusion and dignity. why africana village matters this project is more than a museum—it’s a movement. africana village & museum will: be a world-class cultural destination for learning and celebration showcase the journey from “slaveships to championships” serve as a healing space for reflection and education create jobs and economic opportunities for african-canadians empower a community still seeking justice, equity, and recognition “we are the only group in canada that has not received a formal apology for the crimes against humanity committed against us. let’s move past apologies—let’s invest in real social justice and economic empowerment.” a call for government and …

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