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.
  • A Leader’s Perspective on Reconnecting with Our Creative Selves through Seasonal Work Cycles

    A Leader’s Perspective on Reconnecting with Our Creative Selves through Seasonal Work Cycles

    Nature has taught me so much about moving with the seasons, that we need to honor times of harvest and times of rest. That the frenetic pace of doing, doing, doing, without being present with each other and the season we are in, what is happening around us, is unnatural and counter to life. So…

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  • Quiet Quitting or Loudly Advocating? A Gen Z’s Guide to Knowing Your Worth

    Quiet Quitting or Loudly Advocating? A Gen Z’s Guide to Knowing Your Worth

    Calling all young people! Welcome to this (non-exhaustive) guide of facts, stats, and tips to help you navigate entering and being in the workforce during these unprecedented times, from a fellow tired Gen Z. Grab a friend and hold on for the ride, I think it’s about time we made some changes around here. 

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  • People, Picket Lines & Power: Where is our Collective Voice?

    People, Picket Lines & Power: Where is our Collective Voice?

    Over the past few years, the landscape of our province has shifted drastically, becoming an increasingly difficult place to survive, let alone live in. Employment uncertainty, increasing costs, racism and discrimination, and inadequate housing and healthcare access continue to be top concerns for sectors that are chronically undervalued and often led by women – as…

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