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.
  • Decolonization Learning Journey Course

    Decolonization Learning Journey Course

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  • Decolonization Resources – Activities

    Decolonization Resources – Activities

    Activities for Families to further your Decolonization Learning Journey Curated by our Host Team   IONS recognizes the existence of Anti-Indigenous Racism in Mi’kma’ki and its deep historical roots. We commit to working in solidarity with our Mi’kmaq colleagues, partners, and collaborators, to speak out against this form of racism and to help the nonprofit…

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  • Decolonization Resources – Watch & Listen

    Decolonization Resources – Watch & Listen

    Videos & Podcasts to further your Decolonization Learning Journey Curated by our Host Team   IONS recognizes the existence of Anti-Indigenous Racism in Mi’kma’ki and its deep historical roots. We commit to working in solidarity with our Mi’kmaq colleagues, partners, and collaborators, to speak out against this form of racism and to help the nonprofit…

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  • Decolonization Resources – Further Reading

    Decolonization Resources – Further Reading

    Books & Articles to further your Decolonization Learning Journey Curated by our Host Team   IONS recognizes the existence of Anti-Indigenous Racism in Mi’kma’ki and its deep historical roots. We commit to working in solidarity with our Mi’kmaq colleagues, partners, and collaborators, to speak out against this form of racism and to help the nonprofit…

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  • Reflections on Our Decolonization Learning Journey

    Reflections on Our Decolonization Learning Journey

    Nicole Cammaert Director of Network & Sector Development Much of the focus of my work and relationship building over the past year has been around decolonization and reconciliation, particularly through my role with the Decolonization Learning Journey (DLJ), offered to the sector in partnership with Unama’ki College. In recognition of the first (and long overdue) National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I am sharing some of what…

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