Nominations open for Nova Scotia human rights awards

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is turning to the public for the names of Nova Scotians who have achieved great things for human rights in the province.

The committee governing the 2021 Nova Scotia

Human Rights Awards is seeking nominations of people and groups who have put forward meaningful contributions that achieve the commission's mandate of making society in Nova Scotia more just, equitable and inclusive.

The awards “recognize the important work of community organizers, grassroots advocates, activists, researchers, educators and other who demonstrate a commitment to advancing human rights through their work,” said Commission CEO Joseph Fraser.

"Nova Scotians who stand up and take action to combat discrimination are leaders we should champion and amplify."

Nominations can be made in the youth, individual and group/organization categories.

Those nominating people in the individual category are encouraged to ask the committee to consider entering the nominee for a commemorative award named after the late Burnley Allan (Rocky) Jones, an educator, activist and lawyer who advocated on racial issues, starting in the 1980s.

The release noted the awards will be presented on Dec. 10 – the United Nations International Human Rights Day.

Nominations are open until Nov. 10 and can be emailed to Hrceducation@ novascotia.ca.