On February 26, the Nova Scotia RCMP and the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia (BCCNS) announced a new, dedicated space for African Canadian Experience (ACE) Workshop programming as part of BCCNS’s Capital expansion.
Established in 1983, the BCCNS is the first and largest museum dedicated to Black History and the African Nova Scotian legacy in Canada. Participants at USJE’s 2025 Equity Conference in Halifax had the privilege of visiting the BCCNS to learn about an important part of Nova Scotia’s and Canada’s diverse history.
The RCMP’s ACE Workshop was created in 2018 by five employees of H Division, including long-time USJE Local 80002 members Dana Colley Provo and Shelly Braithwaite, who attended the Memorandum of Understanding signing. USJE National Vice-President Lynette Robinson also attended.
The ACE Workshop helps the RCMP and partner agencies deepen awareness of African Canadian history and lived experiences. It seeks to “raise awareness about diversity in the workplace and equips individual employees with the knowledge and skills needed to proactively and effectively support a workplace that is inclusive, diverse, free of discrimination and Anti-Black Racism. The workshop also assists those in understanding obstacles and negative circumstances faced by those in the African Canadian Community.”
USJE RVPs Carol Osborne and Laurie Ann Wesselby attended an ACE Workshop in Upper Hammonds Plains in November, 2025 and described the program as “engaging and inspiring.” NVP Robinson also attended an ACE Workshop in December, 2025.
Now, with a permanent home for this work, its impact can grow even further. The dedicated space reflects a long-term commitment by the RCMP to cultural understanding, community connection, and meaningful education.