About The Project

Before this project, griots existed.

And they will continue to exist long after. The essence of this endeavour is to delve into the inspiration behind uniting the stories of Canada’s griots. In West African cultures, griots were not just storytellers, musicians, or poets; they were the keepers and conveyors of knowledge. They carried our stories across the Atlantic, a beacon ensuring our narratives endure.

DALL·E-2024-05-02-15.17.20-A-detailed-portrait-of-a-West-African-griot-an-elderly-man-with-a-wise-and-serene-expression-seated-in-a-traditional-setting-surrounded-by-cultural-

Growing up in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Growing up in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, I, Sabrina, was immersed in the richness of two distinct cultures: Afro-Nova Scotian and Indo-Guyanese. My parents instilled in me a deep pride for both heritages. My late mother, Crystal Ross, possessed a remarkable gift for tracing the genealogical and familial lines of Afro-Nova Scotian families through oral tradition. She would ask two simple questions of anyone from the province: “Where are you from?” and “Who are your people?” With these answers, she could weave together their family history and hometown. As a teacher and someone of mixed heritage, I began to recognize the profound need for belonging among students, particularly those of African descent.

DALL·E 2024-05-24 12.09.10 - A group of black elders from different areas of Canada, including Montreal, Halifax, and Vancouver. The elders are gathered together, each dressed in

DALL·E 2024-05-24 12.05.16 - A pencil sketch of a black mother educating her young daughter. The mother and daughter are sitting at a wooden table with books, papers, and a globe

In a province where systemic racism is often denied…

It became clear that many students were disconnected from their rich history. My mother’s questions sparked the genesis of this project: to record the stories of Black elders for the benefit of youth who needed to hear them. The realisation dawned that we are Canadian griots, and if our stories aren’t preserved, we risk disappearing from the chronicles of history.

The journey of bringing this project to fruition was paved with collaboration and support.

Stephen Hennessey, from Westhaven Elmhurst Community Recreation Association, a respected youth worker, brought invaluable insight on connecting with youth and equipping them with interview skills. Alice, the executive director of the Centre for Civic and Religious Literacy (CCRL) and co-founder, brought her expertise in education and understanding of how communities integrate religiosity into their lives. Kemba Mitchell, former president of West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA), emerged as an ideal community partner due to the organisation’s long-standing commitment to Black elders. With the support of the new president, Joan Lee, the work continued.

For me, this project represents the culmination of a lifetime of preparation.

As a daughter, educator, activist, and proud Afro-Canadian, every role I’ve inhabited has led me to this moment. Together with our exceptional tech team, Shawn King, Chance Howe, Dee, and Kyristal Marie Andrews, we brought our vision to life. The project was and remains a labour of love, tinged with the bittersweet memory of losing mothers during its creation. My own loss served as a poignant reminder of the gift my mother bestowed upon me—the gift of being a griot. Thus, this work is dedicated to her, from me.

It’s essential to express gratitude to every person who contributed, shared their stories, and entrusted us with their time. Each of you has made this project possible. To those browsing, our intention is to help you understand and fill in the gaps of Canadian history.

We thank you once again and hope you find joy in exploring the site.

Sabrina,-Frantz-Voltaire,-Karen-Diop_May-2023

For me, this project represents the culmination of a lifetime of preparation.

As a daughter, educator, activist, and proud Afro-Canadian, every role I’ve inhabited has led me to this moment. Together with our exceptional tech team, Shawn King, Chance Howe, Dee, and Kyristal Marie Andrews, we brought our vision to life. The project was and remains a labour of love, tinged with the bittersweet memory of losing mothers during its creation. My own loss served as a poignant reminder of the gift my mother bestowed upon me—the gift of being a griot. Thus, this work is dedicated to her, from me.

It’s essential to express gratitude to every person who contributed, shared their stories, and entrusted us with their time. Each of you has made this project possible. To those browsing, our intention is to help you understand and fill in the gaps of Canadian history.

We thank you once again and hope you find joy in exploring the site.