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.
  • 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.

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  • 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…

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  • 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.

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  • Driving Change: Sou’West Nova Transit

    Driving Change: Sou’West Nova Transit

  • On Being Together: Mawita’mk Society

    On Being Together: Mawita’mk Society

  • Video: What is the Community Impact Sector

    Video: What is the Community Impact Sector

  • Nova Scotia’s Day of Recognition 2022

    Nova Scotia’s Day of Recognition 2022

  • Moving Beyond Profits and Market Failures

    Moving Beyond Profits and Market Failures

    Annika Voltan Executive Director, IONS Today, as we launch our new identity as Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia (IONS), it’s important to reflect on why we need to distinguish and celebrate the Community Impact Sector for all its diversity and uniqueness. Going forward, we see “impact organizations” as the nonprofits, charities and voluntary organizations who…

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