The Loyalist Connections Podcast

Loyalist Connections Creative Society

Introducing the Loyalist Connections Podcast: Step into a world where history comes alive, voices echo through time, and untold narratives find their voice. Welcome to the Loyalist Connections Podcast, where we discover and capture the rich heritage of the African Nova Scotian community and beyond. Hosted by Laurice Downey, and Shawn Smith our passionate duo brings their expertise and dedication to reveal the captivating stories of our ancestors, shedding light on their resourcefulness, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. With a commitment to promoting recognition, justice, and development, the Loyalist Connections Podcast is a gateway to discovering the diverse heritage and contributions of Black and African Nova Scotians. Tune in as we capture first-voice historical narratives and present them through captivating audio experiences. Our engaging interviews, featuring special guests and community members, provide an authentic window into the lives of those who have been historically overlooked. Join us on this exciting journey of self-discovery, as we bridge the past and present, champion change, and celebrate the indomitable spirit of Black and African Nova Scotians

  1. Apr 24

    Episode 3 - Dr. Clement Ligoure and the Living Legacy of the No. 2 Construction Battalion

    In the final episode, which grounds Dr. Clement Ligoure’s history in community memory, Shawn speaks with Hal Davidson of Amherst, Nova Scotia, a town councilor, former deputy mayor, and community historian. Hal shares knowledge of the African Nova Scotian community's history, particularly the Number Two Construction Battalion and its legacy. He discusses his personal connection to this history through his great uncle, who served in the battalion and later became a pastor. The conversation considers the structural racism faced by Black people in the military and the significance of recognizing and preserving this history. Key Topics Hal’s personal connection to the No.2 Construction Battalion. The role of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in the recruitment of the No. 2 Construction Battalion. Institutional racism faced by Black soldiers during World War 1 and the significance of recognizing and protecting this history. Community memory and recognition of the No.2 Construction Battalion. Building solidarity among African Nova Scotians is essential to protecting history. Credits Hosted by Shawn Smith Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS) Special thanks to Hal Davidson Connect With Us Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms! Resources https://novamuse.ca/EducationalResources/Index View the video podcast here: Episode three (feat. Hal Davidson): https://youtu.be/M_uCBGrqDAU For reference information, check out the Dr. Ligoure story on NovaMuse.ca

    47 min

  2. Apr 24

    Episode 2 - Dr. Clement Ligoure, the Press, and the Fight to Recruit the No. 2 Construction Battalion

    This second episode revisits Dr. Clement Ligoure in Nova Scotia. It examines why, despite being qualified and recommended, he was denied appointment as Medical Officer for the No. 2 Construction Battalion during the First World War. Shawn interviews Mary Beth Sutherland, community advocate and granddaughter of Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Hugh Sutherland, the battalion’s commanding officer, who pushed for Black officers, including a chaplain (Rev. Andrew White) and Dr. Ligoure. Key Topics Clement Ligoure’s journey: recruitment, qualifications and racial discrimination encountered within the military. The leadership and advocacy efforts of Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Hugh Sutherland. The significance of the No.2 Construction Battalion. The role of print media and Black publications during World War 1. The role of the No.2 Construction band during World War 1. Credits Hosted by Shawn Smith Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS) Special thanks to Mary Beth Sutherland Connect With Us Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms! Learning Resources: https://novamuse.ca/EducationalResources/Index View the video podcast here: Episode two (feat. Mary Beth Sutherland): https://youtu.be/wYCn6tL9vOs For reference information, check out the Dr. Ligoure story on NovaMuse.ca

    46 min

  3. Apr 24

    Episode 1 - The Journey of Dr. Clement Ligoure: From Trinidad to Nova Scotia's First Registered Black Physician

    Host Shawn Smith launches a three-part series on Dr. Clement Courtney Ligoure, tracing his path from Trinidad to the United States, medical training in Ontario, and his 1916 arrival in Halifax. With historian Graham Nickerson, the episode situates Ligoure's story inside broader Black migration, Caribbean economic change after emancipation, and the racism and policies which shaped opportunity, including Canada’s early 1900s restrictions on Black immigration. Key Topics Clement Ligoure's early life in Trinidad Migration movements of Black communities from the Caribbean to North America The role of community networks and institutions in Black history The impact of systematic racism and legislation on Black medical professionals The significance of the Halifax explosion and Black community resilience Launch of the Atlantic Advocate and recruitment for the No.2 Construction Battalion Credits Hosted by Shawn Smith Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS) Special thanks to Graham Nickerson Connect With Us Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms. Learning Resources: https://novamuse.ca/EducationalResources/Index View the video podcast here: Episode one (feat. Graham Nickerson): https://youtu.be/AwkX-7541zc  For reference information, check out the Dr. Ligoure story on NovaMuse.ca

    46 min

  4. Mar 26

    Land as a Tool for Racial Justice (Part 2): Rewriting Histories and Building Power

    Picking up the conversation, episode two continues studying the intersections of land, history, and racial justice. Lyndsey discusses how historic sites and land can serve as meaningful tools for education and activism, addressing white supremacy, colonialism, and the centrality of land in Black history and liberation movements. The conversation emphasizes mapping Black presence beyond single museums, solidarity with Indigenous peoples, and how Canadian multiculturalism may obscure ongoing racism, reconciliation, and reparations.   Key topics Land and historical sites as tools for education and activism The role of museums and land in shaping racial narratives White supremacy, colonialism, and land inheritance The importance of land in Black history and liberation movements Strategies for using land and history to build political consciousness Credits Hosted by Shawn Smith and Graham Nickerson Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS) Special thanks to Lyndsey Beutin Connect With Us Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms Resources Black Loyalist Heritage Centre Trafficking in Antiblackness: Modern-Day Slavery, White Indemnity, and Racial Justice

    52 min

  5. Mar 20

    How Media Shapes Anti-Blackness (Part 1): A Conversation on History, Power, and Liberation

    Summary Recorded after the inaugural 2023 BLACK conference, Shawn and Graham reconnect with Lyndsey Beutin as part of this two-part series reflecting on how to build spaces to discuss the legacy of anti-Black racism, media, and liberation. Lyndsey, a scholar of media studies and African diaspora studies, explains her research on the racial politics of communication and anti-trafficking campaigns. The conversation shifts through historical examples of anti-black racism in the media, and addresses Canada’s branding, missionary/humanitarian harms, marketing tropes and DEI backlash. Key Topics Trafficking in Anti-Blackness Framework Historical Context & Data Visual Culture & Media Representation White Fragility & Solidarity Allyship vs. Accompliceship Credits Hosted by Shawn Smith and Graham Nickerson Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS) Special thanks to Lyndsey Beutin Connect With Us Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms Resources Black Loyalist Heritage Centre Trafficking in Antiblackness: Modern-Day Slavery, White Indemnity, and Racial Justise

    56 min

  6. 12/31/2025

    Opus Café and Catering: A Hub of Community and Culture

    Our final episode brings us to Cherrybrook, Nova Scotia, where I sit down with Debbie Vaillancourt-Higgins, owner of Opus Café and Catering. Debbie shares the significance of Opus Café, her family's deep ties to the African Nova Scotian community, and how those roots continue to guide her entrepreneurial journey. Together, we unlock generational wisdom and explore how food, love, and storytelling can transform a dining experience into a true community hub—a place to gather, reflect, and heal. Key Topics: Inspiration behind Opus Café & Catering Community Connections and Roots Transforming a Historic Space Emotional Stories and Healing Family Influence and Entrepreneurial Spirit Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Credits: Hosted by Shawn Smith Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS) Special thanks to Chef Debbie Vaillancourt-Higgins Connect with Us: Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms! For more information on Opus Café and Catering: https://www.theopuscafe.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Opus-Cafe-Catering-100088422846944/ https://www.instagram.com/theopuscafe/?hl=en

    30 min

  7. 12/24/2025

    Portlander Jamaican Restaurant: Food, Family, and a Labour of Love

    This episode of the African Nova Scotian Culinary series highlights the story of Chef Donna Gogan, owner of Portlander Jamaican Restaurant in Amherst, Nova Scotia. Donna shares her journey from Jamaica to Nova Scotia, bringing the bold flavours of her heritage to the Maritimes, and discusses the importance of community support, the challenges of sourcing ingredients, and the labour of love involved in preparing delicious food. The episode offers insights into how Donna's creative twists on traditional dishes have won over locals. It explores the significance of entrepreneurship and cultural cuisine in fostering community connections. Key Topics: Donna Gogan's Jamaican Roots The Beauty of Port Antonio Journey to Nova Scotia Challenges and Ingredients Community Support in Amherst Future plans and advice for aspiring restaurateurs Credits: Hosted by Shawn Smith Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS) Special thanks to Chef Donna Gogan and Executive Producer Matthew Johnson Connect with Us: Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms! For more information on Portlander Jamaican Restaurant: https://www.facebook.com/Portlanderjamaicanrestaurantnovascotia/ https://portlanderjamaicanrestaurantns.com/ https://www.instagram.com/portlander.jamaican_resturant/

    21 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    A Taste of Tradition: Chef Leon Hamilton's Culinary Journey

    Chef Leon Hamilton joins Shawn Smith to discuss his journey in the culinary arts, rooted in African Nova Scotian traditions and innovation. Chef Leon shares stories about his inspirations, including mentors in his community, and his approach to comfort food, emphasizing complete, satisfying, and accessible meals. The conversation covers his experiences teaching youth through programs like the Fruits of Our Labour, his journey to becoming a Red Seal certified cook, and the impact of culinary arts on preserving cultural heritage. Key Topics: Chef Leon's culinary journey Community and Culinary Arts Becoming a Red Seal Chef Comfort food vs. fine dining Empowering youth through culinary skills Future plans and advice for aspiring chefs Credits: Hosted by Shawn Smith Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS) Special thanks to Chef Leon Hamilton and Executive Producer Matthew Johnson  Key Topics: Chef Leon's culinary journey Community and Culinary Arts Becoming a Red Seal Chef Comfort food vs. fine dining Empowering youth through culinary skills Future plans and advice for aspiring chefs Connect with Us: Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms! For more information on Chef Leon Hamilton: https://www.instagram.com/cheffleon/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXrNSjDcjYQ

    27 min
See All (38)

Trailers

About

Introducing the Loyalist Connections Podcast: Step into a world where history comes alive, voices echo through time, and untold narratives find their voice. Welcome to the Loyalist Connections Podcast, where we discover and capture the rich heritage of the African Nova Scotian community and beyond. Hosted by Laurice Downey, and Shawn Smith our passionate duo brings their expertise and dedication to reveal the captivating stories of our ancestors, shedding light on their resourcefulness, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. With a commitment to promoting recognition, justice, and development, the Loyalist Connections Podcast is a gateway to discovering the diverse heritage and contributions of Black and African Nova Scotians. Tune in as we capture first-voice historical narratives and present them through captivating audio experiences. Our engaging interviews, featuring special guests and community members, provide an authentic window into the lives of those who have been historically overlooked. Join us on this exciting journey of self-discovery, as we bridge the past and present, champion change, and celebrate the indomitable spirit of Black and African Nova Scotians

Information

  • Creator
    Loyalist Connections Creative Society
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Loyalist Connections Podcast