German Canadian Association of Nova Scotia

We are the German Canadian Association of Nova Scotia (GCA) a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization that promotes the understanding and appreciation of the German language, the cultures of German-speaking countries, and the preservation of German heritage in Nova Scotia. Herzlich Willkommen, Grüezi, Servus und Welcome! Wir sind Der Deutsch Kanadische Verband von Nova Scotia (GCA) eine freiwillige, gemeinnützige Organisation die die Kultur deutschsprachiger Länder, die Wertschätzung der Sprache sowie die deutsche Herkunftsgeschichte aufrecht erhält und fördert. Did You Know? In 1753, 1400 of these Germans started the nearby community of Lunenburg. Although arriving with no marine skills, they became expert fishermen, sailors and boatbuilders by the next generation. In the 1760s land grants attracted some additional 1000 Germans from New England and Germany to Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley. During the next two centuries, most Germans were drawn to Canada by the prospect of farming on abundant and cheap land and preserving distinct religious lifestyles. However, they also played noticeable roles as entrepreneurs, professionals, artists, and tradesmen in the beginning of Canadian urban life in cities such as Halifax.