"You Are Your Best Thing"

-African Proverb

Good evening everyONE,

Congratulations to Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch and Judge Corrine Sparks on being appointed to the 2026 Order of Nova Scotia. As the province’s highest honour, this prestigious recognition reflects their lifelong devotion to community growth, social justice and systemic equity.

For decades, both Dr. Hamilton-Hinch and Judge Sparks have been foundational figures in our community. Their tireless leadership, advocacy and mentorship have dismantled barriers and created vital opportunities across Nova Scotia and beyond. This milestone is a beautiful testament to their enduring impact, which will continue to open doors and inspire future generations for years to come.

Congratulations, Dr. Hamilton Hinch and Judge Sparks!

Click the image below for more information.

Employment Opportunities:

NEW Imhotep’s Legacy is hiring for several positions. For these positions preference will be given to applicants who have demonstrated interest and experience in issues affecting the education of learners of African Nova Scotian Heritage.

1. Culture of Growing Coordinator This part time position has an hourly wage of $20 per hour. The Coordinator will support youth engagement and help ensure that projects and programs are implemented effectively while reflecting the interests, ideas, and needs of youth. This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful youth-focused programming and community engagement. Applications are open until filled. Click HERE for more information.

2. The Culture of Growing Mentors Position. This part-time role offers $17/hour, 6–8 hours per week, with travel required and training provided. Mentors will support Black youth through hands-on agriculture activities, mentorship, and STEM-focused programming. Applicants must have completed at least one year of post-secondary education in Nova Scotia, with youth mentoring experience considered an asset. Applications are open until filled. Click HERE for more information.

NEW The Government of Nova Scotia is Hiring for two positions:

1. A Justice Officer for its Department of Justice, Halifax location. This full-time, temporary role provides vital administrative and courtroom support, including document processing, record maintenance, and public service. Responsibilities include scheduling cases and assisting in court by swearing in witnesses and calling cases. The position offers an hourly rate of $28.76–$32.06 along with government benefits and career development. The province encourages applications from equity-deserving groups, including African Nova Scotians and Indigenous People. The Application deadline is September 9th. Click HERE for more information.

2. Program Specialists (Program Admin Officer 3) for its Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration in Halifax. Two roles are available, specifically focusing on Women in Trades and Youth Programs. These positions support workforce development and apprenticeship initiatives by collaborating with industry partners, employers, and community groups to improve accessibility in skilled trades. The bi-weekly salary range is $2,805.63–$3,410.48 and includes a full government benefits package and professional development. The province values equity and encourages applications from underrepresented communities, including African Nova Scotians, Indigenous People, and 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons. The Application deadline is September 13th. Click HERE for more information.

  NEW      Nova Scotia Health is hiring a Team Leader – Community Health, Primary Health Care for its Halifax location. This permanent, full-time leadership role involves overseeing the delivery of community-based primary care programs while collaborating with teams and partners to enhance local wellness outcomes. Key responsibilities include program evaluation, quality improvement, and supporting initiatives for health promotion and chronic disease prevention. Nova Scotia Health values a representative workforce and encourages applications from equity-deserving groups, including African Nova Scotians, Indigenous Peoples, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The Application deadline is September 9th. Click HERE for more information.

  The Halifax Regional Centre for Education is hiring a Labour Relations Consultant to help strengthen positive labour–management relationships and support HRCE’s large, unionized workforce. Reporting to the Director of Human Resource Services, the Consultant plays a key role in grievance and arbitration handling, collective agreement administration, contract negotiations, and advising leaders on labour relations matters. This position has a salary range of $82,350–$102,938. HRCE encourages applications from African Nova Scotian, African Canadian. and other under‑represented groups, supporting equitable representation across all employee groups. Applications close September 5th. Click HERE for more information.

   Black & McDonald is hiring an experienced Electrical Estimator to join its Atlantic Region team, supporting diverse commercial, government, industrial, and institutional projects. Black & McDonald offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, employer‑matched pension, flexible hours, summer schedules, and long‑term career growth within a stable, established organization. Applications are encouraged from diverse and equity‑deserving candidates, with accommodations available throughout the hiring process. Click HERE for more information.

   The North End Community Health Centre is hiring a Peer Support Worker for The Overlook, a harm‑reduction supported housing project in Halifax. This full‑time position offers an hourly wage of $25.02 and is designated for applicants who identify as African Nova Scotian or of African Descent. Application is open until filled. Click HERE for more information.

Programs, Events, Grants & Additional Opportunities:

NEW This opportunity invites Black/African Nova Scotian women, trans men, and gender‑diverse individuals to participate in Community feedback sessions focused on menopause, well‑being, and culturally informed supports. Hosted by Nova Scotia Sisterhood in collaboration with Dalhousie University, each session offers a welcoming 2.5‑hour sharing circle led by facilitator Lisa Bland (Upshaw). Participants will contribute their lived experiences to help shape future resources and supports tailored to African Nova Scotian communities. Sessions include a light meal, time to review consent, and a guided discussion space. Attendees may choose one of two available dates and will be entered into a draw for Tim Hortons gift cards. Click HERE for more information.

  NEW   Dalhousie University is looking for individuals who are interested in connecting with their fellow peers, explore identity, mental health and wellness. Join Dalhousie’s Black Student Advising Centre in a 6 months Experience to explore “What’s understood don’t need to be explained” The application deadline is September 6th. Click HERE to apply.

  NEW   The Black business Initiative is hosting an Online Training Series: Communication and Presentation Skills for Business Owners is designed to help business owners strengthen their communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills. Participants will explore practical strategies for understanding communication styles, body language, tone, active listening, navigating difficult conversations, and communicating across generations. The session will also help participants build greater confidence when presenting ideas and engaging with others in the workplace and marketplace. The training will be facilitated by Amalia Henry, Founder of Perfect Odyssey Coaching and Wellness. Click HERE to Register

  Young adults aged 18–26 can now drop in weekly to explore the EDGE Program , a low‑barrier employment initiative designed to help youth build confidence, develop skills, and take meaningful steps toward work. Hosted by ONE North End in partnership with the YMCA and Shine On, the drop‑in offers a welcoming space to meet staff, ask questions, and learn how EDGE can support your employment journey. Sessions run every Thursday from 3–5 p.m. at The Anchor (2269 Gottingen Street), where participants can connect with peers, discover resources, and get personalized guidance. The program is open, free, and designed for youth who want support navigating job searches, career pathways, and next steps. Click HERE for more information.

  COVE has opened applications for its Fall 2026  Internship Program , a 13‑week paid, career‑building opportunity connecting post‑secondary students with leading Canadian technology companies. Open to students across disciplines, the program offers full‑time paid work experience, hands‑on industry projects, professional development workshops, mentorship from sector experts, and access to exclusive networking events. Eligible applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals with refugee status, enrolled in a Canadian post‑secondary institution, and participating in a work‑integrated learning placement aligned with their program. International students are not eligible. Internships run September 14 to December 11. Click HERE for more information.

  Through ONE and The ReCover a unique Paid job‑shadowing opportunity is now open for African Nova Scotians connected to Preston Township, offering hands‑on experience in architecture, planning, and the green economy. Through ONE and The ReCover Initiative, participants ages 16–35 can shadow professionals at Zzap Architecture + Planning in Dartmouth, gaining real‑world exposure to deep‑retrofit projects, community meetings, site visits, and the full development‑permit process. This program helps African Nova Scotian youth and community members explore careers in architecture, construction, engineering, and climate‑action sectors and building confidence, skills, and meaningful pathways into a growing green‑building industry. Click HERE for more information.

  Dal Plans is sharing an opportunity for post‑secondary students to participate in a Harvard University research study examining AI companion chatbot use, academic stress, sleep quality, coping, and mood. The study involves using an AI companion daily for three consecutive weeks and completing short weekly surveys about your experience. Up to 35 participants will be selected. To be eligible, you must be 18–35 years old, enrolled in a post‑secondary institution, willing to use the AI companion consistently, and able to complete all questionnaires and check‑ins. Participants will be entered into a $100 USD/CAD gift card draw and will have the chance to explore a digital mental‑health support tool while contributing to responsible AI research. Click HERE for more information.

   The Road to Economic Prosperity Secretariat Society is hosting an Open House at its new Halifax location on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 12:00–4:00 p.m. at 3667 Strawberry Hill Street (Suite 100). Community members are invited to drop in, meet the team, explore the new space, and learn more about the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity,  a community‑led initiative advancing economic opportunities, entrepreneurship, education, employment, land ownership, and community development for African Nova Scotians. Light refreshments will be served. Click HERE for more information.

  The PREP Academy is accepting applications for its Grade 12 After‑School Program , running October to May. Designed exclusively for African Nova Scotian students entering Grade 12, the program provides mentorship, workshops, and support to help students successfully navigate their final year of high school and prepare for life after graduation. Participants are expected to stay engaged through regular communication, attend sessions on time, and actively connect with their Coach. This opportunity is open to students outside of PREP partner schools. Spots are limited, and applications are due by October 4, 2026. Click HERE for more information.

  Iron & Earth is recruiting participants for its  Train-the-Trainer Renewable Energy Program, an opportunity for individuals interested in building renewable energy knowledge and teaching skills. Designed for those with experience in renewable energy, solar PV, electrical work, energy advising, consulting, education, mentoring, or community-based work, the self-paced training takes approximately 22–24 hours to complete. Participants who successfully finish the program will receive a $900 honorarium and may have future opportunities to deliver training with Iron & Earth. While the program is not an industry-wide certification, it qualifies graduates to work with Iron & Earth as trainers. Although the organization primarily works with Indigenous communities, members of the Black / African Nova Scotians are eligible and encouraged to apply. For More information contact Ian Lemke at ianl@ironandearth.org.

  Are you interested in giving back to the youth of your community? BIJ is seeking to grow its team of Volunteers   across the province of Nova Scotia! We offer programs, workshops, youth conferences, seminars and sessions dedicated to motivating youth through entrepreneurship, social enterprise, education and personal development. Click HERE to apply.

    NSCC is offering a one‑year Disability Support Professional Certificate Program  beginning  September 2026. This program trains students to support persons with disabilities through a rights‑based, community‑focused approach, and includes two mandatory field placements. A full bursary covering tuition, textbooks, and fees is available for eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents who commit to one year of employment with Nova Scotia’s Disability Support Program after graduation. Click HERE for more information.

  Anchor Youth Space – North End Halifax is a safe, inclusive space for youth aged 12–25 and their caregivers. Anchor is a welcoming, low-barrier space designed to support the health and wellbeing of youth and their caregivers in the North End of Halifax. No appointments needed. No fees. Just a space built for you open on evenings and weekends. Click HERE for more information.

Scholarships & Bursaries:

  The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture is offering the Grow Where You're Planted Scholarship and Summer Student Position, a unique opportunity designated for African Nova Scotian and Black students. Successful applicants will receive a $2,500 scholarship to support their post-secondary education, along with a paid summer internship (approximately $10,000 in earnings) where they'll gain hands-on experience in the agriculture and agri-food sector. Priority will be given to students studying or planning to study Agriculture, though students from other disciplines with an interest in the field are encouraged to apply. The summer position offers an hourly wage of $17.85–$21.69, with full-time work taking place in the Truro/Bible Hill area from late April to late August. The application deadline is Oct 31, 2026. Click HERE for more information.

  The University of Dalhousie is offering 2 scholarships:

1: The WeAreAllCS African Nova Scotian and African Descent Student Entrance Scholarship offers up to $10,000 over two years for eligible students of African descent entering the Bachelor of Computer Science or Bachelor of Applied Computer Science programs at Dalhousie University. Preference is given to applicants who identify as African Nova Scotian or Black Canadian. Recipients also gain access to professional development opportunities and events through the WeAreAllCS initiative and its partners. Click HERE for more information.

2: Dalhousie University is offering an $32,000 ($8,000 per year renewable for 4 years) bursarie. This scholarship is available for any program, eligible to all African Nova Scotian, First Nations, Indigenous and Black students from Atlantic Canada who demonstrate good academic standing and financial need. To apply you must be admitted to dal and can do so via the website. Click HERE for more information.

The PREP Academy online  Scholarship Directory provides African Nova Scotian students access to a digital list of funding awards that can help support a student's education. Organizations can POST awards for students to access. Click HERE to access.

FREE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS

alongside

are providing support to people of African Descent in Nova Scotia with their Provincial Impact Toll Free Line . This includes mental health supports, social supports, education information and supports, public health COVID-19 information and supports, and much more! Call them, toll free @ 1-855-732-1253.

African Nova Scotian and Black youth across Canada deserve mental health and well-being support informed by their rich cultures and diverse lived experiences. RiseUp powered by Kids Help Phone is a national, 24/7, bilingual E-Mental Health Support Service for Black youth. The service is free and available from coast to coast to coast. Click HERE for more information.

Nova Village NS is now offering FREE family (with youth up to the age of 19), couple, perinatal counselling and mental health assessments — available virtually or in person. This service is provided by a registered counselling therapist. In addition, there is a monthly peer support group for new moms and a 6-week mental wellness program.
Click HERE to learn more

The North End Community Health Centre offers mental health services through their PAUSE Mental Health program. They are open from 5 pm to 8 pm on Tuesdays & Thursdays for over the phone appointments, and Wednesday's for in-person appointments at 2131 Gottingen Street. Please call their toll free number (1-800-598-5270) at any time, and leave your name and phone number to be matched with a therapist.

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ANS Weekly Community Grapevine - September 1st 2026