Background
The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, in partnership with the Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute and the
Black Cultural Centre, is working with youth leaders to organize the Nia Summit. For over 400 years, the
self-determination (Kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (Ujima) of the Black community in Nova Scotia
have been instrumental in purposeful (Nia), ongoing, fight against anti-Black racism and social justice. The youth
perspective in addressing anti-Black racism and social injustice is an important and relevant one. Their voices must
be brought to the forefront, it must be done with purpose and spaces must be created to echo those voices across
our society – the Nia Summit is one such space to begin this journey into a better future and tomorrow for all
people.
The Theme
The theme, Equal in Dignity and Rights: Anti-Black Racism from a youth perspective, borrows from Article 1 of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights – “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are
endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood”.
Why a Black Youth Led Summit?
Inspire youth to fulfill their passions and use them to engage with world issues, develop confidence in their ideas
and future views for the betterment of society. Additionally, to support the establishment of new connections,
collaborations, friendships and the creation of tools and opportunities to engage with one another post-event.
Finally, to instill cultural pride and empowerment within those youth through leadership opportunities.
What to expect?
Cultural engagement sessions including a film screening and discussion, guest panel and multidisciplinary
workshops relating to the following themes: anti-oppression, anti-racism, human dignity and innovation.
Who is attending?
About 130 students attending in-person, from High Schools across Nova Scotia who identify as Black. Virtual
attendance available for students not attending in-person.
Where and when is this happening?
Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia with live streaming options
Friday, September 22nd, 2023
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Student Ambassadors:
We will be engaging a small group of student ambassadors to participate in the organizing of the summit under the
guidance of the team from the Human Rights Commission and Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute.
Ambassadors will be provided with an honorarium for their work.
Students can apply here to be an Ambassador: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-HKuJi4EpPuhktJh2P6-6-YXfq8kPELT7Njdox_sVoB–dQ/viewform