The provincial government, along with sport and recreation partners, are listening to what people from racialized Nova Scotia communities identify as necessary in order to achieve equity for all. This work is rooted in institutional reflection, storytelling, and making educational opportunities accessible. Committed to providing new tools and resources, this hub reflects that anti-racism is a movement, not a moment.
The Office of Equity and Anti-Racism works with partners and communities to help lead and support government’s anti-racism initiatives and promote equity. We work to identify and address systemic racism and inequity in government policy, legislation, programs and services. We’re also responsible for helping government and communities improve social and economic well-being for all people within the province and creating greater access to opportunities and resources.
In response to the escalation of racist and discriminatory behaviour in the recreation sector and the lack of support available, Recreation Nova Scotia (RNS), with funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage, worked with Wisdom2Action (W2A) to develop the Anti-Racism Charter to provide unifying guidelines for the recreation sector to address and combat systemic racism within the sector.
‘It’s a white man’s game,’ they shouted
Cries of “monkey” and the n-word left him feeling “emotionally broken” during a terrible away weekend with his team. The high school hockey goalie made national news following a tournament which saw him accosted with racial slurs by spectators and opposing players. Find out what’s on the 17-year-old’s mind today.
‘Not Indigenous enough’
A white-passing Wampanoag woman and 5th year member of the Saint Mary’s Huskies Basketball team, Aiyanna describes the internal struggle to show her Indigenous roots. After being selected as a Canada Games Aboriginal Apprentice Coaching Program coach her heritage was painfully called into question forcing her to defend her status, her family’s legacy and how she shows up as a white-passing Indigenous athlete.
Sport and recreation brings people together. No matter where you live, it gives everyone the opportunity to lead a healthier life and foster a deep sense of community.
Sport and recreation programs instill the core values of teamwork, hard work, inclusivity and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Addressing racism is necessary to ensure everyone can benefit from these opportunities and it is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone involved – from facilities to organizations, athletes to fans, coaches to administrators – plays a role in creating safe spaces in sport and recreational settings. Change depends on all of us.
I want to thank the Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, Recreation Nova Scotia, Recreation Facility of Nova Scotia, Sport Nova Scotia, Office of Equity and Anti-Racism and the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage for your leadership and year-round commitment to breaking down barriers, providing education and supports, and highlighting these actions during NS Sport & Recreation Anti-Racism Week.
Yours Truly,
Honourable Tim Houston, M.L.A.
Premier of Nova Scotia