People's Schools were held beginning in 1921 at St Francis Xavier University to provide access to educational opportunities for the ordinary working people of Eastern Nova Scotia. The first People's School was held at the University in 1921, and was attended by 52 adult students. The work of the People's Schools was continued by
a series of Rural and Industrial Conferences through the 1920s and 30's.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the University's Extension Department began using radio and television to extend its educational programs to an even wider audience. Later, in the 1990s, the idea of face-to-face People's Schools was revived in a workshop format. People gathered to learn about current issues at Schools on The Economy and on Health.

This year we have honoured this tradition with a series of six People's Schools on the Antigonish Movement. These were held over the period September 15 to November 7, 2009 at various venues in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Each People's School took as its theme one of the principles of the Antigonish Movement outlined by Dr. Harry Johnson in 1944.

Attendance varied from 30 - 85 people at these events. Some photos may be viewed in the "Photos" section of this website. A summary of the outcomes of the final event will be posted here when available.

• The Primacy of the Individual
  Tuesday September 15th, 7 pm,    Bethany Centre -- Hosted by Sisters of St Martha
  
• Social Reform Must Come Through Education
  Tuesday September 29th, 7 pm,    at the new location of Antigonish Town & County Library, 283 Main Street (formerly Southern Accents) -- Hosted by Antigonish Public Library & Marie Michael Library
  
• Education Must Begin with the Economic
  Tuesday October 13th, 7 pm,   283 Main Street (formerly Southern Accents) -- Hosted by Braemore Co-op
  
• Education Must Be Through Group Action
  Tuesday October 27th, 7 pm,    Dennis Hall at the Coady International Institute -- Hosted by StFX Extension Department
  
• Effective Social Reform Involves Fundamental Change in Social and Economic Institutions
  Tuesday, November 3rd, 7 pm,    Marie Michael Library of the Coady International Institute -- Hosted by StFX Adult Education Department
  
• A Full and Abundant Life for All
  Saturday, November 7th, 1-4 pm   Coady International Institute -- Hosted by the Institute