Celebrating Human Rights Week: December 3 – 10
The Human Rights Commission is excited to be celebrating Nova Scotia Human Rights Week this year with more partners, more events and more ways for you to join us in recognition of the foundational role human rights play in the protection of one another’s inherent dignity.
Human Rights Week is a time to celebrate the power of inclusion, engage across communities and be inspired by the passion and perseverance of our province’s many human rights champions. This year’s events include panels and talks featuring dedicated individuals and groups from within the public service, community and academia tackling systemic challenges, difficult topics and the persistent legacies of colonialism and other forms of oppression; showcasing the potential each of us hold to influence positive change.
Please join us as we celebrate our human rights during Nova Scotia Human Rights Week.
Human Rights on Screen: Sugarcane
The Commission is pleased to be partnering again for the Human Rights on Screen series with the Atlantic International Film Festival to provide Nova Scotians the opportunity to engage with human rights topics through film. The acclaimed documentary Sugarcane will be available to view online for free from December 3 - 10 as part of Nova Scotia Human Rights Week.
The powerful documentary Sugarcane (2024) explores the legacy of Canada’s residential school system, and the intergenerational trauma and resilience of Indigenous people. It was awarded the Grand Jury Award for Directing at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. From December 3 – 10 anyone with a ticket can view Sugarcane for free via AIFF’s online screening platform.
Calendar of Events
Register to join us for an assortment of events, presentations and talks on a variety of important human rights topics throughout the week.
Monday, December 2
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Child and Family Wellbeing: A New Path Forward to Promoting Safety and Wellbeing of Children, Youth, and Families (Online)
Tuesday, December 3 (International Day of Persons with Disabilities)
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.- Ability to Rise! Celebrating Leaders in Disability Inclusion (Online/In-person)
Wednesday, December 4
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Dismantling Racism and Hate Act (Online)
1:30 – 3:00 p.m. – Understanding Hate Crimes (Online)
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Advancing Action for Equity and Justice in Impact Organizations (Online)
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Honouring Our Treaty Relationships (Online/In-person)
Thursday, December 5
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Gender-based Analysis Plus and Human Rights (Online)
1:00 - 1:45 p.m. - Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs and the Pursuit of Greater Inclusion (Online)
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Changing Technology & Disability: Help or Hindrance? (Online)
Friday, December 6 (National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women)
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Land Titles, Community Trusts and Housing Initiatives in African Nova Scotian Communities (Online)
2:00 - 3:30 p.m. - Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support for Newcomers, Migrants, and Refugee (Online)
Monday, December 9
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – The Historical Context of Disability (Online)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. - Human Rights and the Unhoused (Online)
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Anti-Trans Rhetoric and Policies in Canada and Regionally (Youth Project) (Online)
Tuesday, December 10 (International Human Rights Day)
2:00 – 4:00 – Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards Presentation (Online/In-person)
Wednesday, December 11
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Who are the Mi’kmaq? Wenik L’nu’k? (Online)
Friday, December 13
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Intersectionality & Collaboration In Action: Revitalizing Municipal Campaign Schools (Online)
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Tajikeimik: Fostering Holistic Wellness and Strengthening Community Health (Online)