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.

  • Watercolors on Tap

    Discover the magic of “Watercolors on Tap,” our unique paint, sip & connect event—truly the only one of its kind! Join us for a Sunday afternoon at the charming Oxford Taproom on Quinpool Road, where you’ll be immersed in a cozy, vintage atmosphere filled with eclectic décor.​ This is not just an opportunity to create…

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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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  • We Need Space: Belonging and Community Gathering 

    We Need Space: Belonging and Community Gathering 

    Haley Moriarity Digtial Marketing & Admin Coordinator In April, I had the opportunity to attend a retreat specifically for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth across the province hosted by Engage Nova Scotia and the Youth Project. For three days, I was surrounded by an incredible group of people looking to build community, dream of the future, and just exist…

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  • 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…

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  • 2SLGBTQIA+ Learning Journey

    2SLGBTQIA+ Learning Journey

    2SLGBTQIA+ Learning Journey Alphabet Soup: Queerness at the Kitchen Table AN E-LEARNING SERIES EXPLORING 2SLGBTQIA+ DISCRIMINATION, COMMUNITY, HISTORY, AND HOPE ACROSS NOVA SCOTIA. Each series and each session will have a different learning theme. These sessions are designed to enhance personal reflection and to open a dialogue on how to implement change in our organizations.…

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  • We’ll Get Back to you Monday: Reclaim Friday, Rest, and Repeat

    We’ll Get Back to you Monday: Reclaim Friday, Rest, and Repeat

    Reg Manzer Research & Evaluations Manager When I tell people that IONS is piloting a four-day work week, I am immediately met by curiosity and interest, “You must work longer days then?” and “How much was your pay reduced?” When I respond that I don’t work extra hours to make up for it and that my…

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  • Going Slow to Go Fast: Finding Our Focus and Flow

    Going Slow to Go Fast: Finding Our Focus and Flow

    Annika Voltan Executive Director, IONS Reaching Our Limit These days everywhere we turn there are conversations about burnout, staffing challenges, and how to create boundaries around work. In our research, we consistently hear that heavy workloads and burnout are the top issues affecting the Community Impact Sector – second only to funding challenges.   IONS is…

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  • Canada Radio OHdio La mouvée – IONS

    Canada Radio OHdio La mouvée – IONS

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  • Leading Nature-Based Retreats

    FireLoch Folkschool is pleased to  host Heath Dawson, an experienced forest school and nature-based retreat leader from Dublin, Ireland. Heath will be travelling to NS in August for an international axe throwing competition and has offered to extend his travels to join us as a facilitator at FireLoch. Together, Heath and the FireLoch team have…

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  • Beyond Burnout: Transforming the Nonprofit Sector

    Beyond Burnout: Transforming the Nonprofit Sector

    Beyond Burnout: Transforming the Nonprofit Sector April 26, 2022 Share On Facebook Share On X Share On Linkedin Copy URL Looking Beyond Burnout – It’s Time to Transform the Nonprofit Sector By Annika Voltan, originally published by the SaltWire Network here.   It’s no secret that many of us are tired. In fact, we’ve moved…

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