A passion for all things African

Nancy Hannemann with a Yoruba carving

A 16-month stint in Tanzania a long time ago sparked a life-long interest in Africa for the University of Alberta's Nancy Hannemann. She was only eight years old when she and her parents packed up and took part in a mission helping some hunter-gatherers settle in a community. This exposure to Africa and African culture had a resounding impact on her.

"As a child I was totally intrigued by the many different ways people had adapted to the environment and to living in this area," said Hannemann, the global education program coordinator in the U of A's International Centre.

By 1977, she was drawn once again to the continent and returned to Africa on a cultural exchange with Canadian Crossroads International. This time, she went to Nigeria where she was exposed to the Yoruba people. She became interested in the many African cultures that have existed for centuries, and this curiosity became evident in her choice of studies when she returned to Canada: anthropology. Hannemann said every paper she wrote had some reference to Nigeria.

With the help of a Commonwealth Scholarship from 1985-87, Hannemann returned once again to Nigeria to research the modern wood carvings of the Yoruba. What she discovered caused her concern. Things were changing for the carvers, said Hannemann, whose main audience is now tourists. Traditions are fading away. Some are lost forever. She found one carver had to study art history to learn to carve according to the traditions of his own people.

Daughters of the oba (king) of Ila Orangun at a ritual ceremony

But there were other things Hannemann learned from her African experiences - like how to "play the system." She had to. Corruption was rampant.

"In Lagos airport, you are trying to get out but you're told your luggage is overweight. You need to pay money at the overweight-luggage counter but there is never anyone at the overweight-luggage counter," explained Hannemann. When someone does take your money, someone else steps in to ask for another payment. In her case, Hannemann explained she had already paid, but the official replied: "I haven't gotten my share of it yet." Learning the "rules," however, didn't faze her. "You just come through them so much the wiser," she said.

Knowing about the people, places and customs of Africa comes in handy for her work at the U of A. Hannemann worked with the Office of Human Rights to bring Archbishop Desmond Tutu to the university last November, to kick off the annual Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights. Hannemann spent much time showing Tutu around when he was in Edmonton. "I was deeply touched by the fact that he lives his message of human rights," she said. "He is a genuine person who is interested in other people."

Olumeye, carrying bowl offering kola nuts

Hannemann spends much of her volunteer time working with the campus-based Africa Society, and other activities connected to Africa, and for this was recently given the Friend of Africa Award. The annual award recognizes individuals or organizations within greater Edmonton who have been instrumental in promoting issues or studies related to Africa. This is the second award given by the Africa Society and it was presented at the end of their three-day conference. Stephen Appiah-Padi, coordinator of the African Society, said Hannemann is a strong pillar of support for the group. "Anytime you go to her, she is always willing to help."

Her hope is for her children to have the same type of exposure to African culture as she did when she was a child. But Hannemann realizes times have changed and it can be quite dangerous in certain regions. "Still, I think it is important for children to have that kind of experience."

If given the chance to live life over again, "I can honestly say I would do the same thing. Part of it is rooted in the philosophy of following the things you are interested in and for which you have a passion, and seeing where they lead you."

For Hannemann, that passion leads to all things African, whether on this side of the Atlantic or the other.