René Boudreau takes an active role in promoting Black Nova Scotian culture
When René Boudreau travels, she often meets people who are surprised to discover that there are Black people from Nova Scotia.
“That inspired me to create something that shows more representation and creates more awareness that, yes, Black people are in Nova Scotia, and we’ve been here for over 400 years,” she says.
Boudreau is the owner and operator of Elevate & Explore Black Nova Scotia, which not only encourages Black travellers around the world to visit the province but also inspires people from all backgrounds to experience our province. The company offers unique excursions and experiences that highlight African Nova Scotian culture and communities.
René, who has ancestral ties to Truro, East Preston, Shelburne and Africville, currently resides in East Preston, one of the oldest historic Black communities in Nova Scotia. She is passionate about travel, community and creating memorable experiences for others. That passion is reflected not only in her Instagram bio, but also in her approach to business.
“We partner with other businesses and organizations to create and curate tours, experiences and retreats. We also promote other local Black-owned businesses on our website and through our social media. But more importantly, African Nova Scotians are a distinct racialized group who have been living in Nova Scotia for over 400 years – we have a lot of history and stories to share.”
A Black history biking tour, offered in partnership with I Heart Bikes Halifax, demonstrates that history. “The first tour we did was a practice run where I invited four other Black women to join me,” she says. It was René’s first time riding a bike in years and her first time using an e-bike. “It was powerful to take up space in the streets of Halifax as a group of Black women on bikes, which is something we don’t often see.”
When the tour was officially launched, it sold out and the feedback was great. It also had an impact on René, who bought a bike for her own excursions. “Through this experience, we were able to share our stories as African Nova Scotians in a fun and active way,” René says. “I’m very grateful to Sarah, the owner of I Heart Bikes, and LaMeia, a close friend of mine, who worked with me to develop and guide this tour and, of course, to all those who participated.”
Although René still works weekdays with the Association of Black Social Workers, where she leads a project focused on gender-based violence within African Nova Scotian communities, she uses lunch breaks, evenings and weekends to grow her business. “Weekends are when I usually have time to get out and explore the province and try new restaurants solo or with friends,” she says.
Reflecting on her motivation to become an entrepreneur, René says seeing content such as Travel Noire, an aspirational travel and lifestyle hub showcasing beautiful photos of Black people exploring the world, was pivotal. She was particularly struck by how the site contrasted with the general lack of representation of Black people within Nova Scotia’s tourism sector. That inspired René to seek out the “sweet spot” of making an impact while making an income.
René believes that growing awareness of Black culture and history in Nova Scotia and increased representation will make the province a major destination for Black travellers seeking a cultural experience. “I’m excited for the day that I’m able to build a team and turn Elevate & Explore Black Nova Scotia into a full-time business,” she says. “I have so many great ideas and I believe I have a lot to contribute to the tourism industry here.”
If you’re planning a staycation this summer and want to learn more about African Nova Scotian history, René recommends visiting the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, the Africville Museum and the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre. She also advocates making direct connections with African Nova Scotian people to exchange knowledge and stories. “If there are any events that celebrate African Nova Scotian culture, such as concerts, festivals, tours or experiences, I would recommend attending.”
Check out Elevate & Explore Black Nova Scotia on Instagram and be sure to keep an eye on the website for upcoming tours and events.
