Cultural Preservation Shelburne ft. Erin Isaac.

by Itai Kuwodza

In Shelburne Nova Scotia, lies the Ross Thompson House built between 1783 and 1785, a colonial structure representative of the town's complex history. This building, which initially served as a mercantile space for the Ross brothers, later evolved into a hybrid of a living space and store, symbolizing the commercial vibrancy of the era. However, beneath the surface of this historical site lies a deeper narrative that Erin Isaac is determined to uncover and share with the public.

Erin's work in Shelburne represents a critical component of cultural preservation through the lens of decolonization. By challenging the traditional narratives that have predominantly celebrated Shelburne as a white community while relegating Birchtown to the margins as its Black counterpart, she endeavours to rewrite that script. She discusses her approach with us in which she insists on recognizing the interlocked stories of diverse communities, including the nearby Mi'kmaq people and Black loyalists, whose lives and contributions have been overshadowed by a singular focus on white loyalist history.

Erin shares the knowledge that has come from being deeply embedded in community. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how these diverse communities interacted and coexisted, shedding light on the economic and social dynamics that were at play that history forgot. This prioritization of the decolonization of historical narratives and promoting cultural preservation, invites a broader and more inclusive understanding of Shelburne's past. This re-entering of history is not merely an academic exercise but a crucial step towards acknowledging and valuing the contributions of all communities that have shaped Shelburne. Take a listen as Erin rewrites the story of Shelburne by embracing the complexity and diversity that truly defines it.