IONS is situated in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaw people. Unceded means that the Mi’kmaq have never relinquished, sold, traded, or transferred ownership of their land to European settler colonies, yet land was taken over without their consent through various processes of settler colonialism. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, which the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik people first signed with the British Crown in 1726. These Treaties did not involve the surrendering of rights to the lands and resources they had traditionally used and occupied. We are all Treaty People.

We further acknowledge that Nova Scotia is the birthplace of Black culture and heritage in Canada. People of African descent have shared these lands for over 400 years, and over 50 strong and resourceful African Nova Scotian communities exist here today.

We are committed to the struggle against systems of oppression that have resulted in profound inequities and the denial of self-determination rights. We are working actively to deepen our learning at an individual level, provide learning opportunities about anti-racism and decolonization, and to develop partnerships with organizations serving and led by underrepresented groups.

Black Futures Project

A continuation of the successful Black History Learning Journey – an online series to explore the history and legacy of African Nova Scotians – the Black Futures Project is a community-led initiative supporting belonging and leadership for Black and Afro-Nova Scotians in the Community Impact (nonprofit) Sector.  

Rooted in principles of Black liberation and decolonization, the project was co-designed by community for community with learnings for the wider sector. Through gatherings, storytelling, and a blended learning journey, the project deepened awareness of systemic barriers and supported organizations to create policies framed by justice, belonging, and culture. 

Led in partnership by the African Nova Scotian Decade for People of African Descent (ANS DPAD) and Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia (IONS), the Black Futures Project centers community voice, intergenerational leadership, and bold imagination to transform how Black people are seen, supported, and celebrated across Nova Scotia. This project was made possible by the funding provided by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.

Architects of the future

In 2025, the Black Futures Project invited community leaders to “step into a portal to the future” by hosting a series of public and online co-design sessions and gatherings with the intention of realizing visions for liberatory, inclusive and impactful work that eradicates the effects of racism. Below is the timeline and pathway we took for the Black Futures Project.

Framing the Problem

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Possibility Brief

Through this “Possibility” brief, we are excited to share the insights and reflections with tangible workplace practices for the wider Community Impact Sector. This brief explores what it means to build more supportive and equitable workplaces, focusing on liberatory practices for pro-Black workplaces in the sector.

This brief highlights the effects of anti-Black racism in nonprofit workplaces, including burnout, inequities in leadership, career stagnation, and barriers to well-being. It outlines practical ideas for creating more inclusive, supportive, and sustainable organizations. By investing in equitable hiring, supporting Black-led organizations, and embedding culturally relevant practices, organizations can strengthen well-being and build more impactful workplaces. What’s possible in our work? Learn more.

A Map to the Future

What is Afrofuturism?

Afrofuturism is a cultural and artistic movement blending African/ diasporic history with science fiction, technology, and fantasy to imagine liberated Black futures. It reimagines the past and present to challenge current narratives, often emphasizing themes of technology, liberation, and cosmic agency. It spans literature, music, art, and film. Some examples of Afrofuturism are seen in movies like Black Panther and by writers like Octavia E. Butler and N.K. Jemison.

What is Black joy?

Black joy can mean different things to different people, but can be described as an unapologetic celebration of Black culture, identity, art, etc.

Black joy is a celebration of our humanity, including all the nuances and multitudes that is Blackness. In a world that tries to diminish and exstinguish, Black joy is an act of resistance. While acknowledging history and the past, Black joy carries survival with hope, optimism, and love for our people and the future.

The Black Futures project explored where are we going next, asking the question ‘What are your wildest dreams for Black Futures in Nova Scotia?’ What In the fall of 2025, IONS hosted a “Black to the Future” community retreat that gathered an intergenerational group of Black leaders and changemakers to share in wisdom, solidarity, and to be in a space of imagination grounded in inspiration from Afrofuturism. This video highlights the richness of our time together and the key takeaways.

The Journey Black to the Future

Flip through our interactive Black Futures Project Zine to learn more about our pathway from past to present.

Black Futures in Nova Scotia

The IONS team worked in partnership with a team of project co-designers, a talented and creative group of community leaders and changemakers. These partners supported the design of the project, events, and activities by lending their wisdom, knowledge, and leadership through all aspects of the project. They helped ideate, host sessions and workshops, facilitate conversations, build project pathways, and showcase pro-Black celebrations and events happening across Nova Scotia.

Impact Story: Leadership through Art and Identity

Meet Tara Lynn Taylor. As the Producer, Director, and Screenwriter of Afromations Media Productions Inc. as well as the Founder and Artistic Director of the Charles Taylor Theatre & Media Arts Association, Tara Lynn Taylor is building infrastructure that allows Black creativity to thrive.

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Impact Story: Leadership through Celebrating Culture & Legacy

At African Nova Scotian Music Association, Julien’s leadership is supporting Black artists and musical talent on an international scale. With deep roots in the province and a rich African Nova Scotian history, developing and promoting local musicians is an important way to preserve and celebrate culture and legacy. 

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Messages from the Future

Often, conversations about the Black experience and anti-racism are rooted in the oppression and trauma of our past. Knowing and telling the truth about our history is essential, AND, there is more to the story. This project was an opportunity to hold space and conversations that center the African Nova Scotian and Black community; rooting in our joy, rest and creativity. The Black Futures Learning Journey uplifts the voices, perspectives and work of leaders who are practicing the future, and asking: “What is possible for Black Futures when we reimagine our world?”

Want to engage with a community of your peers and stay connected to this work? Join the Liberatory Leadership Circle!

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Liberatory Leadership Cohort

The Liberatory Leadership cohort was designed as a learning experience where participants engaged in reflection, skill-building, and community dialogue to reimagine leadership through the lens of equity, justice, and collective liberation.

Participants explored their identities, values, and leadership practices while developing tools to challenge oppressive systems and create meaningful change. This cohort emphasized peer learning, collaboration, and building supportive networks that extend beyond the program. Overall, the cohort aimed to empower emerging leaders to lead authentically and contribute to more decolonized and liberatory practices.

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