Events

On this page, you will find upcoming and past Commision and community events. We encourage all Nova Scotians to participate and celebrate our diverse communities. If you have an event we should include here please contact us.

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events scheduled

Past Events

December 5th, 2024 - December 5th, 2024 - Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs and the Pursuit of Greater Inclusion

When: Thursday, December 5
Time: 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
A recording of this session is posted below.

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission’s existence is a testament to the persistent efforts of African Nova Scotians. Despite facing racial injustices, African Nova Scotians have tirelessly advocated for policies and legislation to safeguard their community’s human rights, laying the groundwork for the Commission. This endeavor is part of the enduring history and resilience of African Nova Scotians, many of whom can trace their roots back over 400 years.
 

Despite unfulfilled promises and a discriminatory environment, African Nova Scotians and communities of African descent have made substantial contributions to all aspects of life in Nova Scotia. The Commission acknowledges their trauma, resilience, and significant contributions to the province and country.

Join Augy Jones, Executive Director of the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs (ANSA) to learn about the work of this office and the enduring history of advocacy for inclusion and recognition of the rights of African Nova Scotians.

Recording

 

December 4th, 2024 - December 4th, 2024 - Honouring Our Treaty Relationships

Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Lindsay Room, Halifax Central Library, 5440 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax, and via Zoom (Registration required for online participants)


Elder Joe Michael is a Keptin in the Mi’kmaq Grand Council;  Acadia's Elder in Residence and honorary Humanities Doctorate recipient;  and a contributor to Treaty Education Nova Scotia. In April 2024, he was the first Mi’kmaq to be Knighten by the St. George Society in Halifax, an e800-year old tradition.

A highly regarded inspirational and spiritual leader, Elder Joe promotes a balance between contemporary and traditional knowledge, teachings, and practices to organizations and individuals. Most notably, Elder Joe was the first Mi’kmaq member of the RCMP and he combined this knowledge with contemporary policing practices to increase cross-cultural awareness and develop the RCMP’s Aboriginal Community Policing model that remains part of the force’s cadet training program in Regina. Before retiring as Detachment Commander, he became the force’s Pipe Carrier responsible for performing sacred rituals and ceremonies and helping all races better understand Aboriginal culture.

Please join us Wednesday, December 4 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom or in-person in the Lindsay Room at the Halifax Central Library for this session with Elder Joe who will fill the space with stories that will help you understand who the Mi’kmaq are, historically and today, and how we can walk the road to reconciliation.

 

December 4th, 2024 - December 4th, 2024 - Understanding Hate Crimes

Date:  Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
A recording of this webinar is posted below.
 

Earlier this year, Statistics Canada reported the total number of hate crimes in Canada has more than doubled from 2019 to 2024.  Halifax ranks fifth in the country for its hate crime rate, reporting 121 hate crimes last year, an increase of 62% over the previous year. Halifax Regional Police (HRP) attributes this increase in reported crimes to the establishment of a dedicated hate crimes unit, higher reporting and increasing public awareness.

Crimes motivated by race, religion and sexual orientation were the most common police reported hate crimes according to HRP in 2023. Changing demographics, divisive public discourse and far-right views contribute to concerns that this trend will continue.  Its important Nova Scotians understand what a hate crime is and what they can do about them.

Join Professor Isaac Saney (Dalhousie University), retired Detective Constable Craig Upshaw, and Crown Attorney Sharon Goodwin to learn about the impacts of hate-motivated crimes.

Background

Recording

December 4th, 2024 - December 4th, 2024 - Advancing Action for Equity and Justice in Impact Organizations

Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Time: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
A recording of this session is posted below.

Are you a champion for justice and equity and re-imagining work in your organization? Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia (IONS) will introduce the Pathway to Actions platform as a tool for teams to build equitable workplaces.

Join us December 4 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. (online) to find out how ~30 impact organizations from Mi'kma'ki have collaborated to create this resource hub for advancing equity and justice action in organizations.  In this session we will introduce some of the tools and resources, alongside the goals and approach to supporting teams to create more equitable and inclusive workplaces.

About the Platform

  • The resource hub includes over 100 locally vetted tools and resources. 
  • Individuals and teams can take a survey that will provide them an organizational persona with 10 curated resources based on where they are in their equity journey.
  • Built from community research with local changemakers, the organizational personas outline common motivations, needs, and barriers faced in this work. They aim to help individuals and teams reflect on their journeys and plan actionable steps to create inclusive workplaces. 

Recording