November 13th to 17th

Fr

About

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.

Office of Equity and Anti-Racism

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.

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Dismantling Hate and Racism Act, Bill No. 96

View Bill

Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy

See Strategy

A Message from Recreation Nova Scotia

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.

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Stories from Nova Scotians

‘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. 

Premier’s Message

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 

Partners

We are a unified team of chiefs, staff, parents and educators who advocate on behalf of and represent the educational interests of our communities, and we protect the educational and Mi’kmaw language rights of the Mi’kmaq people. Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK) continues to work on improving the quality of education for our people, while remaining vigilant in maintaining and revitalizing our Mi’kmaq language. Armed with the inspiration from our youth, and the guidance and leadership from our Board of Directors, education directors, schools, staff, and partnerships, MK has forged ahead, exploring new opportunities for academic excellence, and re-visiting and enhancing existing operations and programs.
Everyone has the right to participate in a sport environment free from racism. Athletes, coaches, officials, parents and volunteers should always experience the positive benefits of sport without worrying about inappropriate behaviour. Practicing safe sport means ethical and appropriate engagements between all participants. At Sport Nova Scotia, we aim to make sport available to all Nova Scotians while supporting the physical, social and emotional welfare of everyone participating. Sport Nova Scotia is a non-profit, non-government federated organization and is the voice for amateur sport in the province.
At the Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic we strive to be a leader in our community that contributes to a positive culture in sport. We are committed to being an organization where diversity is not only valued but is celebrated. At CSI-Atlantic, inclusion and respect are at the core of our values, and we all contribute towards creating an inclusive environment. We commit to doing the work required so that everyone who walks through our doors feels a sense of belonging. It is our diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that fuel our innovation and enhance our ability to build strong relationships with all our partners.
The Recreation Facility Association of Nova Scotia (RFANS) provides leadership in developing, promoting, and advocating excellence in recreational facilities, operations and personnel while providing and encouraging professional development. RFANS acts as a unified voice for recreation facility personnel regarding issues affecting facilities, such as racism, and their management, such as providing actionable steps to respond to discriminatory behaviour, bringing awareness to our facilities' issues, and supporting facilities towards change. RFANS stands up against racism and discrimination and promotes providing high-quality, safe recreation facilities for all to play, regardless of race, gender, age, etc
Recreation Nova Scotia (RNS) is a provincial not-for-profit organization that believes in creating an inclusive, equitable, and most urgently, anti-racist recreation sector to promote the personal, economic, social, and environmental benefits and values of recreation and leisure to all Nova Scotians. An inclusive recreation sector means everyone believes and feels they can fully and safely participate in activities of their choosing, and that they can do so in reality. An equitable recreation sector accommodates the different needs and expectations of diverse communities, particularly those that have been historically underrepresented within activities that enhance individual and community well-being. An anti-racist recreation sector actively opposes racism by advocating for changes in political, economic, and social life. RNS envisages a sector that understands privilege, challenges internalized racism and biases and calls out all forms of racism when witnessed.
Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage supports our communities to thrive by promoting active living, tourism, and Nova Scotia’s diverse culture, heritage, and languages. We pride ourselves in helping to grow communities and organizations by providing programs and services that support these areas. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and services are free of discrimination and barriers, and value equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA). By applying this lens and ensuring it is a core value in our programs and decision-making processes, we are taking steps to address the long-standing systemic barriers that impact many communities in our province. ​ Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage is committed to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility across Nova Scotia, and we support partners who share in this commitment.   
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