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.
  • Impact Story: Leadership through Celebrating Culture & Legacy

    Impact Story: Leadership through Celebrating Culture & Legacy

    Meet Julien Matwawana  Executive Director of African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA) and community changemaker, Julien Matwawana supported the design of the Black Futures Project – a community-led initiative supporting Black and Afro-Nova Scotians to imagine and build liberatory workplaces in the Community Impact Sector. Led in partnership by the African Nova Scotian Decade for…

  • Impact Story: Leadership through Art & Identity

    Impact Story: Leadership through Art & 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. Whether through film training programs, community-driven productions, or mentorship – she is working to build longstanding impact into every single project she is involved with. As one of the partners and…

  • Sector Side Hustler – Jody Nelson

    Sector Side Hustler – Jody Nelson

    Sector Side Hustler – Jody Nelson Haley Moriarity Digital Marketing & Administration Coordinator Share On Facebook Share On X Share On Linkedin Copy URL In January’s blog What do you do? Side Hustles and the Meandering Career Path, Jody Nelson writes about the prevalence of “side hustles” in the Community Impact Sector, the equity considerations…

    ,
  • Sector Side Hustlers – Alexandra Theroux

    Sector Side Hustlers – Alexandra Theroux

    Sector Side Hustlers – Alexandra Theroux Haley Moriarity Digital Marketing & Administration Coordinator Share On Facebook Share On X Share On Linkedin Copy URL In January’s blog What do you do? Side Hustles and the Meandering Career Path, Jody Nelson writes about the prevalence of “side hustles” in the Community Impact Sector, the equity considerations…

    ,
  • Sector Side Hustlers – Aimee Gasparetto

    Sector Side Hustlers – Aimee Gasparetto

    Sector Side Hustlers – Aimee Gasparetto Haley Moriarity Digital Marketing & Administration Coordinator Share On Facebook Share On X Share On Linkedin Copy URL In January’s blog What do you do? Side Hustles and the Meandering Career Path, Jody Nelson writes about the prevalence of “side hustles” in the Community Impact Sector, the equity considerations…

  • Sector Side Hustlers – Tyler Colburne

    Sector Side Hustlers – Tyler Colburne

    Sector Side Hustlers – Tyler Colburne Haley Moriarity Digital Marketing & Administration Coordinator Share On Facebook Share On X Share On Linkedin Copy URL In January’s blog What do you do? Side Hustles and the Meandering Career Path, Jody Nelson writes about the prevalence of “side hustles” in the Community Impact Sector, the equity considerations…

  • The PREP Academy: Paving Pathways for African Nova Scotian Youth

    The PREP Academy: Paving Pathways for African Nova Scotian Youth

    For Ashley Hill, experiencing the many “no’s” were the catalyst to dreaming up and founding The Prep Academy. Tired of watching history repeat itself, Ashley, the Founder & Executive Director of The PREP Academy, is changing the trajectory of opportunities for African Nova Scotian youth.

    ,
  • Sector Side Hustlers – Lisa Buchanan

    Sector Side Hustlers – Lisa Buchanan

    First up in the Sector Side Hustlers Series, Lisa Buchanan’s side hustle combines her gift for fostering connections and creating safe spaces in the queer community with a sport she loves. As the Experience Design Coordinator with United Way Halifax, Lisa’s work facilitating gatherings lends well to her side hustle – assistant coach of the…

    ,
  • Coming Home: The Black Loyalist Heritage Centre

    Coming Home: The Black Loyalist Heritage Centre

    Overlooking the Shelburne Harbour, the Black Loyalist Centre tells the story of the world’s largest free African population outside of Africa, in late 18th century Nova Scotia. In addition to the Centre, you can explore the two-acre property to visit historic buildings and the National Monument commemorating the Black Loyalist Landing in Birchtown in 1783.

    ,
  • Driving Change: Sou’West Nova Transit

    Driving Change: Sou’West Nova Transit