Amelia Jarvis
Public Servant, Government of Nova Scotia
I grew up in Dartmouth, but my family roots are from Southwest Nova Scotia.
I’m an only child raised by an only-parent single mother. I acquired most of my persistence, dynamics and determination from her.
While growing up, I always wanted to be a chef. I graduated from culinary school at the age of 19 and worked in Halifax as a third cook. The food industry wasn’t what I imagined so I decided to study business at Nova Scotia Community College where I graduated with a Business Diploma. From there, I expanded my studies at Saint Mary’s University where I obtained a Bachelor of Commerce.
I love to travel and meet people. I’ve been to many countries including Spain, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Montenegro, Croatia, Greece, Holland and Ghana. There’s something about travelling that gives me a sense of freedom, adventure and self discovery. I’m always planning a new adventure.
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What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
I’m currently a Communications Officer working with the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs (ANSA). It’s the only office in Canada dedicated to serving people of African descent. ANSA also works with other provincial government departments/offices to create initiatives to help alleviate some of the challenges in African Nova Scotian community.
My proudest moment was being involved with the launch of the “Count Us In: Nova Scotia’s Action Plan in Response to the International Decade for People of African Descent, 2015-2024” which was launched on September 19th, 2019 (on my 32nd birthday). This action plan was created to help eliminate the various challenges facing African Nova Scotians in areas such as education, employment, health and more.
Not only did I create all the communications files for the launch, but I also had the opportunity to give advice and feedback regarding the content in the document.
As an African Nova Scotia, working to help eliminate systemic racism, discrimination and injustice is rewarding and challenging. Because of this work, I occasionally encounter difficult days, however, I'm grateful to be a part of this positive change.
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
My vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years would be a place of greater equity. One of our biggest opportunities is discussing various race related issues particularly in the African Nova Scotian community. The first step to creating positive change is to acknowledge, recognize and learn the wrongdoings of the past.
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
My biggest stage of growth was when I turned 30 years old. I realized that I don’t have to plan out my entire life. I’m going with the flow, gaining experience and having fun along the way...I should have realized this in my 20s.
What’s your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
I enjoy reading fiction drama. But lately, I've been reading and listening to news and current events because of my job.
My latest reads include “The Couple Next Door” by Shari Lapena and “The Woman in the Window” by A.J. Flinn. I love reading suspense, scandal and betrayal in a novel which, ironically, is what I try to avoid in my real life.
What’s your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
In August 2019, I had the opportunity to travel to Ghana, Africa to attend the African Youth and Governance Convergence as a delegate. This annual conference brings together youth of African descent, from more than 35 countries, to discuss issues affecting the continent’s development. 2019 is also the 400-year anniversary of the first enslaved Africans arriving to North America.
I met incredible individuals, tasted delicious food, visited beautiful locations, and was treated with the utmost respect. However, I did witness poverty.
On one particular day, we had the opportunity to visit Elmina Castle – a former slave dungeon. It was built as a trade settlement of goods then later became an important stop on the route of the Atlantic slave trade. Today, it’s a significant place for people of African descent seeking to connect with their long-lost heritage.
Since coming home, I now carry an underlying feeling of sadness that I don’t think will ever go away. And the conscious realization that I’m only living in Nova Scotia because my African ancestors were taken from their country, survived the middle passage, forced to work in harsh conditions, endured extreme racism and abuse, and risked their lives to escape to freedom for the future of themselves and their families. I love being from Nova Scotia, but this is very difficult to grasp.
This experience has taught me to do the best I can with full integrity to honour my ancestors.
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
My mother directly inspires me – even to this day. I was taught from an early age that I can do and be anything. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What would you have done differently?
Nothing! I’m where I need to be……. for the moment.
What are the principles you live by?
Be true to yourself. Make time for yourself. Love yourself.
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Public servant, advocate, foodie, traveller, dog lover, problem solver, believer