Halifax waterfront kiosk serves up African Nova Scotian food and facts
Dean Lucas, the owner of Freedom, says the concept of his business started after he noticed African Nova Scotian culture wasn't being represented through the waterfront's current cuisine options.
He also observed that some residents and tourists had a lack of knowledge about its history.
'I sort of started to talk with them to find out if they knew anything about African Nova Scotian history and like where we come from and the importance of it...at that point I thought, I need to kind of do something, maybe create a business,' says Lucas.
Since his kiosk debuted on Canada Day, Lucas says its garnered positive feedback.
'It's been awesome. People that come in, they love the food. They love the whole concept. I had a lady come from South Africa the other day, and she said her friend told her to stop in here,' he says.
The business hopes their dusted lemon pepper wings and East Coast deep fried pepperoni, will tempt nostalgic taste buds and promote African Nova Scotian products.
'You're teaching people about your culture, your history and just giving them a good time…you're not selling food- you're selling the experience and the history. It's all genuine pieces from African Nova Scotian artists,' says employee, Braedyn Provo.
Lucas says the name of the business was inspired by both his family, and his high hopes for the community.
'I'd love to see our communities be free, where they can build their own economies and have gas stations, stores, restaurants, have tours coming through Kevin's bus, so they don't need to rely anymore,' he says.
The business will continue serving up food and facts until October.
Freedom
Freedom, African Nova Scotian cuisine on the Halifax waterfront. (CTV Atlantic/ Vanessa Wright)
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBC
17 minutes ago
- CBC
How should Canada respond to U.S. tariff increase?
As U.S. President Donald Trump bumps up import tariffs on non-CUSMA-compliant Canadian goods to 35 per cent, the Power & Politics panel of party insiders discusses how Canada should respond and whether there should be an expiration date on negotiations.
Winnipeg Free Press
18 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Disappointment mixed with cautious optimism, resolve in Manitoba as Trump makes good on tariff threat
Manitoba business and labour leaders expressed disappointment Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump hiked his tariff on many Canadian goods to 35 per cent, bringing further economic uncertainty. They remained hopeful ongoing trade talks between the two countries will strike the right deal for Canada's economy. 'We were hoping to avoid this escalation in our current trade tensions with the U.S.,' said Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Loren Remillard. 'We remain confident, in time, we will find common ground with the U.S. administration. The most important thing is getting the right deal for Canada, not necessarily getting it done right now.' MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES The steel-producing city of Selkirk, just north of Winnipeg, is bracing for potential impacts. Trump increased the tariff (on imports not compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA) after a deal wasn't struck before a deadline he imposed. Manitoba Federation of Labour president Kevin Rebeck agreed no deal is better than a bad one for Canada. 'I think there are a lot more businesses that are watching this with great uncertainty and unease, and that's not good for anyone, but we can't let the U.S. just dictate a deal that's only good for them and hurts our economy,' he said. 'I'm glad our prime minister (Mark Carney) is working towards a deal that puts Canadians first.' Rebeck said tariffs are hurting both countries' economies, with about 200 Manitobans — largely in the steel sector and some in food production — on work-sharing measures or laid off. Alan Arcand, the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters' chief economist, said the U.S. is Manitoba's No. 1 trading partner, with 80 per cent of the province's exports going to its southern neighbour. Manitoba's exports to the U.S. were down by 30 per cent between January and May, he said. 'That's definitely a huge problem for the Manitoba economy,' Arcand said. 'It's been a challenge the entire year, and increasing the tariff rate from 25 per cent to 35 per cent adds on to those difficulties.' Arcand said CME supports the federal government's decision to 'remain firm' and pursue a better deal. Canada's automotive, steel, aluminum, copper and softwood lumber industries have been most affected by the trade war, he said. In Manitoba, the advanced manufacturing sector could be among the most affected by the increased tariff, Remillard said. He said a vast majority of Manitoba's exporters is compliant with CUSMA and therefore will not be subject to the increased tariff, but a significant percentage will be impacted. Remillard said he expects eligible companies that haven't filled out the necessary paperwork will make a 'significant move' to become compliant in the coming days. He said Trump's changing trade policy has had a chilling effect on business. Arcand said it has been nearly impossible for businesses to plan. While some groups or politicians encouraged Ottawa to retaliate, Remillard said the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is hoping 'calmer approaches' by the federal government continue, and it doesn't take any action that will hurt Canadians. All levels of government should provide supports or resources to affected sectors to help them weather the storm, he said. Trump already applied 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The move left the steel-producing city of Selkirk, just north of Winnipeg, bracing for potential impacts. 'You just can't do business at a 50 per cent tariff. It's just out of the question,' said Mayor Larry , who's been monitoring Brazil-based Gerdau SA's steel mill in Selkirk. 'Every time I go by there, I'm looking at the yard to see how many employees' cars are parked there, and how many trailers are there loaded with steel and ready to go. 'Of course, it's been very, very busy before this latest increase to the tariffs. We were seeing a lot of double trailers loaded with steel coming out of the mill.' Johannson said he saw some trailers — destination unknown — ready to go when he drove by Friday morning. 'We're seeing back and forth in there, and that's a good thing. Honestly, as mayor, I just can't see doing business with a 50 per cent tariff,' he said. 'Fifty per cent tariffs is not a fair rate. It's a ludicrous rate.' When Premier Wab Kinew visited the mill in March, he said the Manitoba government will source Canadian steel for all its infrastructure projects and relevant equipment purchases. Wednesdays A weekly dispatch from the head of the Free Press newsroom. Johannson, whose father and grandfather worked at the mill, is hoping that approach is mirrored across Canada. 'We want Manitoba steel to have equal opportunity in any projects in Canada,' he said. 'We can supply the steel.' In the meantime, Johannson wants negotiations between Canada and the U.S. to be 'ramped up.' 'We have to get (the tariffs) down,' he said. 'I wish I could lock the door until they come out of there with a good deal that is beneficial to both.' Chris KitchingReporter Chris Kitching is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He began his newspaper career in 2001, with stops in Winnipeg, Toronto and London, England, along the way. After returning to Winnipeg, he joined the Free Press in 2021, and now covers a little bit of everything for the newspaper. Read more about Chris. Every piece of reporting Chris produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CTV News
18 minutes ago
- CTV News
Crowds pack BC Ferries, Vancouver airport as long weekend begins
It's shaping up to be a busy day aboard BC Ferries as British Columbians head out of town for the long weekend. Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual There are busy roads, ferries and airports as thousands of people head out for the B.C. Day long weekend. BC Ferries terminals have been seeing heavy traffic since Friday morning. All vehicle reservations on major routes are sold out for the day, with drivers facing long lines before even reaching the toll booths. Those without a booking are being urged to arrive early and prepare for long waits. The B.C. Day long weekend is typically the busiest travel period of the year for BC Ferries. More than 580,000 passengers and over 200,000 vehicles are expected to sail between now and Monday. To meet the demand, BC Ferries says its full summer schedule is in effect, with every available vessel in service. In the spring, the company also added more staff and sailings, and completed maintenance and refits to prepare for the summer rush. This weekend is also seen as a major test of the ferry system's reliability, following years of challenges caused by aging vessels and growing demand. Officials say operations ran smoothly over the Canada Day long weekend, and they're hoping for a similar result this time around. For those without a reservation, BC Ferries recommends considering alternative sailing times. Saturday night may be the best option for outbound travel, while Sunday evening is shaping up as the most promising return window. BC Ferries is also reminding travellers that foot passenger space remains available on many routes. Travellers looking to avoid the congestion might want to leave their vehicles behind and walk onboard instead. Travellers are advised to check current sailing conditions and terminal webcams at before heading out. YVR back on track After a number of delays Thursday night, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) says operations are once again running smoothly. YVR communications manager Alyssa Smith said the airport is expecting one of its busiest weekends of the year, with about 360,000 passengers expected to pass through between Friday and Monday. 'We are just working that much more closely with our different airport partners to make sure our operational plans are all synching,' Smith said. 'That we do have adequate staffing at our curbs, in our terminals, right down to our baggage halls.' Smith said travellers should give themselves plenty of time to get to the airport. Those flying domestically are asked to arrive two hours before departure, while international travellers should arrive three hours ahead.
