Season 3 Ep 31: Nancy Oliver-Mackenzie, Historian & Social Justice Advocate by Older & Bolder with Debbie McCulloch

In this powerful and reflective episode of Older & Bolder, Debbie McCulloch is joined by the remarkable Nancy Oliver-Mackenzie, a lifelong educator, historian, and passionate advocate for social justice.

At 83 years old, Nancy continues to break barriers and share stories that matter. She discusses her deep family roots, tracing her lineage back to slavery in the United States, and how that legacy inspired her to research and preserve Black history in Montreal. Her work culminated in a compelling historical exhibit and earned her recognition across Canada—including her recent honour as the City of Montreal’s Black History Month laureate.

Nancy also recounts her vibrant teaching career, which spanned from a fine arts school in Montreal to an Inuit community in Canada’s North, and even across the globe in Africa. Her storytelling is filled with wisdom, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to equity and truth.

From hosting workshops on anti-racism for clergy to reflecting on the day Nelson Mandela visited her community church, Nancy’s insights are a powerful reminder of how one person’s dedication can create ripples of understanding and change.

This conversation will leave you thinking, feeling, and inspired to contribute to the communities you care about—at any age.

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Recorded in Saskatoon & Rosetown, Saskatchewan
Show producer: Christina Cherneskey Communications
Theme music: ES_By the Neon Sign
Music for this episode: ES_A Long Awaited Journey - Helmut Schenker, ES_Building Something Together - Eden Avery, ES_Ascent - Martin Landh, ES_Magma - Lama House, ES_Night And Day (Instrumental Version) - Craig Reever, ES_Gentle Heroics - Trevor Kowalski, ES_Amber Hibernation - Lama House.
Voice over: Christina Cherneskey
Original artwork: Jackie Peterson
Artwork developed for digital media pages: Christina Cherneskey