Nominations for the 2023 Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards are now open. The commission presents awards annually to acknowledge the courageous work of Nova Scotians whose efforts as individuals or groups are helping to advance human rights in the province.
You are invited to nominate individual Nova Scotians and groups who demonstrate excellence in this area until November 3. Award recipients will be chosen by committee and will be notified in advance of a presentation ceremony held on December 8.
You can submit your nomination quickly and easily using this online form.
Criteria
All Nominees must:
- have not received an Award in the same category within the previous five (5) years,
- espouse human rights values and not discriminate based on race, gender, disability or other protected characteristics of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act,
- include a component of education and leadership in their human rights-related work,
- be a resident of Nova Scotia, and
- not nominate themselves.
Additionally, nominees for a Group or Organization Award must:
- be comprised of two (2) or more people, and
- have operations in Nova Scotia.
Youth Award
Presented to an individual aged 20 or younger whose work promotes equity and inclusion, advances understanding of human rights and its importance in empowering youth to advocate for themselves, their peers, and their communities.
Individual Award
Presented to an individual aged 21 or older who demonstrates leadership and whose work has contributed to change in their community by advancing equity, inclusion, and the value in promoting and protecting human rights.
Dr. Burnley Allan “Rocky” Jones Award
Presented to an individual of African descent whose work reflects and builds upon the legacy of Dr. Burnley Allan “Rocky” Jones in championing racial equality, advancing justice and fostering socio-economic empowerment. Learn about Rocky Jones.
Wel’lukwen Award
Presented to an L’nu individual (youth or adult), group or organization whose work advances the rights of Mi’kmaq/Indigenous people while creating a just, equitable and inclusive society. Wel-lukwen, (Well-loog-wen) is a Mi’kmaw word which loosely translates to mean “congratulations, you are doing extremely well. Your work does not go unrecognized.”
Group Award
Presented to a group or organization whose collective action serves to protect dignity, advance equity, promote inclusion, and raise awareness of human rights in Nova Scotia.
If you have any questions or require assistance to submit a nomination, please email HRCEducation@novascotia.ca.