Municipal Equity and Anti-Racism Symposium November 20 & 21

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AMANS invites Municipalities and Villages to the Old Orchard Inn in Wolfville for a 2-day collaborative initiative to support the development of your Accessibility, Equity and Anti-Racism/Anti-Hate Plans to foster safe, welcoming, and inclusive communities where all Nova Scotians can thrive. This two-day symposium provides subject matter expertise, creates space for collaboration, and supports participants drafting their action plans. This event is designed to equip Equity Leads with knowledge and support to develop strategies tailored to your community's unique needs in combating hate and fostering inclusivity through your Municipality's Accessibility, Equity and Anti-Racism/Anti-Hate Plans.

Register through this link here. Please complete the registration form by November 8th to help us reserve rooms at the Old Orchard Inn.

Location: Old Orchard Inn, 153 Greenwich Rd S, Wolfville Ridge, NS B4P 2R2

Cost: It is free! AMANS will be covering the cost of the hotels and food. Equity Leads coming further than 250 km are invited to come the night of November 19th for an additional hotel night stay.

This session is funded by the Province of Nova Scotia’s Office of Equity and Anti-Racism.

Municipal Equity and Anti-Racism Symposium Program

Day 1: Wednesday November 20th, 2024

8:30am: Registration and Welcome

10:00am – 10:10am: Welcome and Opening Remarks - David Campbell, Executive Director at AMANS

10:10am – 10:15am: Understanding Our Goals and Objectives with Julie Glaser and Roxanne Pereira, Municipal Equity, Anti-Racism & Accessibility Support Program, AMANS

10:15am – 12:15pm: KAIROS Blanket Exercise facilitated by Grace Campbell and Lorraine Whitman

The KAIROS Blanket Exercise (KBE) is an experiential teaching tool that explores the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the land we now know as Canada. The purpose is to understand reconciliation though experiential education. Counsellors will be available on site if needed.

The Red Spruce Mental Health Centre is pleased to support the Municipal Equity and Anti-Racism Symposium. The Red Spruce is a cost-free mental health centre run through Acadia’s graduate Counselling program. Two Red Spruce counselling interns will be available during the Blanket Exercise to provide trauma informed support to anyone who may find they are impacted by the activities and discussions of the KAIROS Blanket Exercise and would like to debrief with a trained counselling professional. Livia Peyton and Don Batstone, two graduate interns in their final weeks of practicum, will be on site until noon to offer free counselling and welcome the opportunity to support this group through their morning of experiential learning and reflection.

12:15pm – 1:15pm: Lunch at the Old Orchard Inn

1:15pm – 2:45pm: Session #1 Cultural Competencies & Intersectionality facilitated by Rena Kulczycki (they/them), Wisdom2Action

As municipalities in NS endeavour to address racism and hate in our communities, the development of effective strategies and policy depends on the insight and expertise of those directly impacted by these social realities. Engagement of community members with marginalized identities is vital, yet planning to do so in authentic, meaningful, and ethical ways can be riddled with uncertainties and setbacks for a myriad of reasons. Structures and processes that reinforce barriers, fragile relationships, historic actions that fuel reasonable mistrust, and consultation fatigue are a few.

This workshop will support participant’s understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the barriers experienced by individuals and communities based on their race, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ability, age and more, and combinations thereof. Building on these concepts, we will identify and explore ways to ethically engage diverse communities in broader community engagement efforts for the development of anti-racism and anti-hate strategies.

2:45 pm – 3:00 pm: Nutrition Break

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Session #2: Building Plans for Meaningful Change facilitated by April Howe, Crayon Strategies Inc

Join April Howe in a working session focused on developing the essential components of your Municipality’s Equity, and Anti-Racism and Accessibility Plans. This workshop is designed to demystify the core components necessary for building impactful and sustainable plans. Participants will gain practical insights into establishing foundational goals, understanding essential plan elements, and learning effective strategies to foster inclusivity. Join us to begin drafting tailored approaches that promote safe, welcoming, and inclusive communities across Nova Scotia.

5:00 pm: Break - Free time - go for a walk, swim, nap or network - the time is yours!

6:00 pm: Dinner at the Old Orchard Inn

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm: Fireside Storytelling & Open Mic hosted by Dr. Christina Flemming and Rose Folks in the Old Orchard Inn's Fireside Lounge

The Wednesday evening social event is Fireside Storytelling & Open Mic! You're invited to share a story, stant-up comedy, drag, song or interpretive dance - whatever secret or not so secret talent you've been harbouring, now's your chance to debut! We're here for it!

Day 2: Thursday November 21st, 2024

7:00 am - 9:00 am: Breakfast at the Old Orchard Inn

8:00 am - 9:00 am: De-stress with Accessible Yoga for Every Body with Shelly & Hannah Corkum in the Fireside Lounge at the Old Orchard Inn.

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Welcome and Intro to Keynote Speaker: Juanita Peters, Executive Director Africville Museum

10:00 am - 10:15 am: Nutrition Break

10:15 am - 12:00 pm: Session #3 Developing Anti-Hate Strategies for your Plans facilitated by Craig Upshaw, H.E.D.I Consultants

This session will be focussed on understanding the community, learning from the community, and growing alongside the community to build a better strategy to combat and dismantle hate in your communities. To gain better understanding of hate, this session will cover: definitions, hate crimes, the Criminal Code and section 718.2 (a)(i) ccc, statistics, and traumatic impact on communities and youth. We will also also speak about the importance of reassurance, and how to build pro-active responses into your Plans. This is a heavy session - come with your questions, concerns, and know that we're all in this together.

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch at the Old Orchard Inn

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Session #4 Informal to Formal Engagement Panel featuring Municipal and Community Equity Leads- Livinus Numfor from Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, Fawn Logan-Young from Recreation Nova Scotia, Corrie Melanson from Sea Change CoLab and Tammy Feltmate from Municipality of the County of Antigonish.

This panel will offer invaluable insights into effective community engagement strategies. By studying and learning from jurisdictions that have successfully developed and implemented focused engagement approaches, we can identify best practices, and potential challenges to avoid. These insights provide a rich, contextual understanding of how different communities have navigated complex engagement landscapes, tailored their strategies to local needs, and built meaningful connections with diverse populations. Through collaborative knowledge sharing, and strategic adaptation, we can elevate our own engagement practices, drawing inspiration from the successes and learning from the experiences of others in community engagement.

2:00 pm - 2:15 pm: Nutrition Break - grab your snack and head to the World Cafe for one-to-one time for feedback on your Plans!

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm: Connection Cafe - Here's your chance to meet one-to-one with subject matter experts from our partners at the Province and the Community to seek feedback or ask questions that will help shape or support your Equity, Anti-Racism and Accessibility Plans. Come meet with Grace Campbell (Office of L'nu Affairs), Luke Power (The Office of Equity and Anti-Racism), Laura Beth MacPherson (Accessibility Directorate), Regional Project Administrative Officers from African Nova Scotian Affairs, Shruti Gola Taraschi-Carr (Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission), Craig Upshaw (H.E.D.I Consultants), Rena Kulczycki (Wisdom2Action), Fawn Logan-Young (Recreation Nova Scotia) and Xiaoyun Shen (Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration). We will also have an Open Space table to meet with other Leads to discuss questions you've posted on our Open Space Discussion board throughout the 2-days. Accessible Communication/ Plain Language instructor Erin Casey will host a table to discuss Language for Inclusion and Belonging.

3:15 pm - 3:30 pm: Closing Remarks, Learnings and Next Steps by Natasha Jackson, Director/Executive Lead Community Engagement at Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing


Facilitators for KAIROS Blanket Exercise

Lorraine Whitman (“Grandmother White Sea Turtle”) is one of 14 siblings of the late Chief Joseph Peters and Elder Doris (Brooks) Peters and granddaughter of the late Chief Louis Peters of Bear River, member of Glooscap First Nation in Nova Scotia.

Lorraine worked for 23 years as a social development officer and as the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative Coordinator for Glooscap First Nation. She served Glooscap First Nation as an elected councillor from 1997–2012, sat on the Board of Directors of the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq for more than 15 years, served as a health committee member for the Tripartite Forum for more than 10 years and was the Mi’kmaq representative on the Annapolis Valley School Board from 2000–2003. She also developed The Fair Trade Seven Sacred Teachings Coffee roast blend for Just Us! Coffee, with a portion of the proceeds directed toward select Indigenous programs.

In 2017, Lorraine was elected President of the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association and became an Elder for Acadia University as well as a Board Member of the Nova Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network. She was a Mi’kmaq Language Advisory representative (2020) and has received the Nova Scotia Volunteer Award (2019). Lorraine was elected President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) in September 2019. NWAC engages in national and international advocacy aimed at legislative and policy reforms that promote equality for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit 2SLGTBQQIA people. Through advocacy, policy, and legislative analysis, NWAC works to preserve Indigenous culture and advance the well-being of all Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people, as well as their families and communities.

Lorraine was recognized in 2020, October 1st Treaty Day with the Grand Chief Marshall Elders Sr. Award and currently sits as a member of the Mi’kmawey Debert Elders Advisory Council. In 2020 Lorraine was an Elder involved in the international project together with Omar Gandhi Architect team with the winning design for the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, which pays homage to Mi’kmaq culture.

Over the years, Lorraine has volunteered at the Windsor Exhibition, informing others about the Mi’kmaw culture, heritage, and ceremonies in her territory. She has participated with her younger sister Darlene in the Commemoration of our Sisters in Spirit over the past 11 years and has led various Mi’kmaw cultural events, including porcupine quill demonstrations, talks, singing and drumming. Lorraine is married to her husband Thomas of 40 years and has raised their daughter according to Mi’kmaw culture and traditions.

Grace Campbell is a Cree woman who belongs to the Taykwa Tagamou Nations located in Northern Ontario. She is the granddaughter of Chief Isiah Sutherland of Moose Factory.

Grace is a national facilitator of the Kairos Blanket Exercise; she has delivered the blanket exercise since 2002. Grace believes the exercise is one tool to support reconcilAction. Grace is a former educator teaching children as young as 2 years to 15 years! She has degrees in Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology as well as an Early Childhood Educator diploma.

Grace has worked with the provincial government for 12 years in various departments such as Justice and Status of Women’s Office. Today, she is the Program Manager at the Office of L’nu Affairs in the Policy and Indigenous Relations division. Prior to joining government, Grace worked with the Mi’kmaw Legal Support Network as their Program Manager prioritizing the judicial needs of all Indigenous people within Nova Scotia.

Grace is married and the proud mother of 2 children and 2 grandsons and loves living in Mi’kmaq Territory of Nova Scotia.

Introducing our Speakers

Rena Kulczycki is a facilitator of transformational experiences based in the unceded traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq. With over 20 years’ experience designing, delivering and coordinating projects, programs and partnerships for community development and systems change, their approach is driven by a deep desire for justice and care. Anything they do with groups prioritizes right relationships as the foundation for work to move forward well. A 2nd generation settler in Mi’kma’ki, Rena’s education, training, and expertise are derived from a myriad of traditional and non-traditional avenues. They work as a consultant and expert in Community Youth Development, Youth Engagement, Adult Education and Facilitation, and have experience doing so for a variety of government, education and community-based groups. While they have served communities across Turtle Island, their efforts have been located predominantly within the regions of the Wabanaki Confederacy. Wisdom2Action


April Howe has been an active voice for diversity and inclusion for many years. Through her Consulting firm Crayon Strategies Inc., she helps organizations create the conditions for authentic inclusiveness. She consults and coaches extensively with clients within the public, private, and non-profit sectors. April served the Province of Nova Scotia from 2018 – 2023, most recently as the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Before being appointed as Deputy, she was the Senior Executive Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Justice. Before joining the Department of Justice, April was Executive Director of People and Culture with the Public Service Commission. Former to joining government, April was a Partner with Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette leading their Career Services practice. April holds an Executive Master of Business from Saint Mary's University - Sobey School of Business and is also a Certified Career and Executive Coach. As a believer in community engagement, April co-chaired the successful 2020 Halifax Mayoral campaign for Mayor Mike Savage. She currently sits on the Boards of the Neptune Theater, the International Women’s Forum (IWF), and the Africville Heritage Trust. Previously, she served on the of boards of the North End Community Health Center, the IWK Foundation, the Halifax Partnership, the United Way Halifax, the Black Business Initiative, and Dress for Success. Crayon Strategies Inc


Shelly & Hannah Corkum: Over 10 years ago, fighting depression, Shelley went to her first yoga class since college and fell in love with it. She noticed how it changed her mind and body and thought it would help her son that has ADHD and anxiety and her daughter with Cerebral Palsy. After seeing the changes in them and realizing how yoga saved her life, she decided to become a yoga instructor. In 2017 she received her Yoga teacher training certificate and then in 2018 went to Toronto to receive her Accessible yoga training certificate. Shelley believes that yoga is for Every body, if you can breathe, you can do yoga. The yoga practice she will be providing will be a wake-up Flow yoga, 20 mins warm up, 20 mins, connective movements and 20 mins of cool down working in areas to release tension and anxiety to get ready for the day. Her daughter Hannah will be assisting her by doing the practice in her wheelchair to help guide anyone that would like to do the practice in a chair or use a wheelchair.

Juanita Peters is known by many people, as many things. She is an actor, film and stage director, and playwright.

As a film writer and director she has given us: I Made a Vow, Hannah’s Story, Africville; Can’t Stop Now, and 8:37 Rebirth which has won multiple awards in Canada, New York, London and Paris.

Juanita Peters directed two seasons of the Film Nova Scotia Award winning dramatic series “Studio Black” and the multi-award winning television series DIGGSTOWN. As a playwright she has given us: The San Family, The Mother Club, I M Possible and The Green Book. Founding member of Women In Film and Television Atlantic and Founding member of Atlantic Canada’s newest multicultural festival Nova MultiFest. Member of Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre, Canadian Actors Equity, Actra and the Directors Guild of Canada. Board member of The Robert Pope Foundation and Matchstick Theatre. Named the 2023 Portia White Prize Winner by Creative Arts NS and the 2022 Woman of the Year by the union representing 28,000 professional actors across the country, ACTRA. Juanita Peters is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal and the King Charles III Coronation medal. In addition to this Juanita Peters is the Executive Director of the Africville Museum.

A retired Detective Constable with Halifax Regional Police, Craig Upshaw was the first full-time Hate Crime Investigator in Atlantic Canada and a former Diversity Officer. With a passion for serving the public and working directly with communities, Craig now provides education and training in hate, equity, diversity and inclusion. Along with his specialized training and experience in these areas, Craig draws on his own lived experience to bring a deep and solid understanding of the impacts hate can have on individuals and communities. Craig was instrumental in establishing the award-winning Hate Crime Unit in January 2022, the first of its kind within Atlantic Canada. Through his effective investigation skills, recognition of the importance of community reassurance, and commitment to developing and improving the unit, Craig quickly became a well-known and respected figure in the local, regional, and national fight against hate. He served on the national Hate Crime Task Force, was a member of the Ontario Hate Crime Investigative Team (HCEIT) and the Alberta Hate Crime Investigative Group (AHCIG), and sat on the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) sub-committee to address Ideologically-Motivated Violent Extremism (IMVE). He has delivered training and presentations to police officers, civilians working in law enforcement, and within schools and camps across Nova Scotia. Craig retired from policing in August 2023 with an exemplary service record, and continues to devote his time to serving the public and communities through working in partnership with others to build relationships and provide education surrounding the traumatic impacts of hate through H.E.D.I Consultants. He remains committed to raising awareness in the areas of hate, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Introducing our Panelists

Livinus Numfor is originally from Cameroon, Central Africa, where he obtained his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry. After that, he taught high school Biology and Chemistry for 5 years before immigrating to Canada in 2012 via the Quebec Skilled Workers Program. Livinus obtained a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Guelph, Ontario in 2017 with a major in Health Promotion and minor in Epidemiology. Livinus was hired by the Nova Scotia Health Authority in June 2019 as a Health Promotion Specialist for Mental Health and Addictions for the Tri-County of Yarmouth. Livinus is the Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator for the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, where he works to identify, prevent, and eliminate barriers experienced by people with disabilities in municipal programs, services, initiatives, and facilities. He works with the team to foster an accessible and inclusive workplace. Besides local history and culture, his interests include family, movies, soccer, and travelling.

Fawn Logan-Young (she/they) is an Anti-Racism and Equity consultant and facilitator, who has supported the creation and promotion of Recreation Nova Scotia’s (RNS) Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation.

Beyond working for RNS, Fawn was Parks Canada’s Youth Ambassador in 2021. There, she worked for the federal Communications and Outreach Team promoting outdoor recreation, wellness, and diversity, while in tandem, supported internal diversity, equity and inclusion commitments.

More recently, Fawn worked with former MLA for Preston, Angela Simmonds, during her leadership race for the Liberal Party of Nova Scotia, followed by becoming the Constituency Assistant for the Preston Township.

On the side, Fawn pursues an initiative she started in 2017, called Different Rooute which aims to connect youth with the outdoors, themselves, and their community through recreation programming and facilitation. As Fawn continues supporting the Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation, she looks forward to helping municipalities reimagine their policies and social culture through an anti-racist lens.

Corrie Melanson combines more than 25 years’ facilitation experience with proven principles of adult education, universal design, and culturally responsive practices to facilitate breakthrough conversations that spark engaged action and learning. Sea Change CoLab

Tammy Feltmate, Director of Sustainable Communities with the Municipality of the County of Antigonish(MCA). Equity, Justice Relationship building and Anti-racism are core values of Tammy's personal, and professional worlds and a grounding part of her core being. She likes to push and challenge the idea of building team to become striving for community and family. Having worked at MCA for 16 years she is constantly learning new ways and paths in local government to do those things.

Tammy started by studying Sciences at Acadia University, then left for Northern Pakistan with Canada World Youth at 18, which opened the world up to her in a spectacular way. Upon return, she studied International Development and Gender (Women's Studies) at Dalhousie and then spent the next 15 years exploring and finding community throughout Canada and the world working with NGOs and local governments. Tammy returned full time to N.S. to work with the Coady International Institute, as a new mom and after working on a couple provincial projects she found her way to MCA. Being a mom keeps her being actively an anti-racist and fuels her hope that change is possible. When not working or learning, Tammy recharges with her dogs, horses, and family and is currently planning a winter adventure to Southern Californian-desert and coast with her daughter who is living every equestrian's winter dream of spending days in the sun and sand with horses.

Host for the Fireside Storytelling

Dr. Christina Flemming is a lifelong storyteller, poet, and writer. She facilitates graduate and B.Ed. courses at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU). She is Managing Editor of the scholarly journal Art/Research International. She holds a PhD in Educational Studies from MSVU. A lover of words, Christina also holds a Master of Arts in English Literature and Creative Writing from Concordia University, and a Bachelor of Journalism Degree from the University of King’s College. Her research explores how storytelling can help us to unhinge normative narratives. For the last two years, Christina has been hosting live events, including the annual Pride Prom at Schoolhouse Brewery in Windsor, NS. She loves sequins and bagels.


Rosie Folks is a singer-songwriter and music producer immersed in the Annapolis Valley music scene. She regularly hosts community music events, acts as a mentor, producer, and sound engineer. A bold and original voice, Rosie Folks blends elements of folk and pop to create a unique and captivating sound. Influenced by the likes of Sheryl Crow, Tom Petty and Bo Burnham, Rosie’s music is infused with catchy melodies, handcrafted lyrics and refreshing authenticity.

Facilitators for The Connection Cafe

Xiaoyun Shen (she/her) has worked with Immigration and Population Growth, Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration for 1.5 years and is now the Community Navigator for South Shore and Valley regions. Xiaoyun is originally from Shanghai, China, moved to Canada in February 2023 with a marketing background, she is also a newly-elected executive team member of Immigrant Newcomer Network for Nova Scotia Government Employees.




AMANS invites Municipalities and Villages to the Old Orchard Inn in Wolfville for a 2-day collaborative initiative to support the development of your Accessibility, Equity and Anti-Racism/Anti-Hate Plans to foster safe, welcoming, and inclusive communities where all Nova Scotians can thrive. This two-day symposium provides subject matter expertise, creates space for collaboration, and supports participants drafting their action plans. This event is designed to equip Equity Leads with knowledge and support to develop strategies tailored to your community's unique needs in combating hate and fostering inclusivity through your Municipality's Accessibility, Equity and Anti-Racism/Anti-Hate Plans.

Register through this link here. Please complete the registration form by November 8th to help us reserve rooms at the Old Orchard Inn.

Location: Old Orchard Inn, 153 Greenwich Rd S, Wolfville Ridge, NS B4P 2R2

Cost: It is free! AMANS will be covering the cost of the hotels and food. Equity Leads coming further than 250 km are invited to come the night of November 19th for an additional hotel night stay.

This session is funded by the Province of Nova Scotia’s Office of Equity and Anti-Racism.

Municipal Equity and Anti-Racism Symposium Program

Day 1: Wednesday November 20th, 2024

8:30am: Registration and Welcome

10:00am – 10:10am: Welcome and Opening Remarks - David Campbell, Executive Director at AMANS

10:10am – 10:15am: Understanding Our Goals and Objectives with Julie Glaser and Roxanne Pereira, Municipal Equity, Anti-Racism & Accessibility Support Program, AMANS

10:15am – 12:15pm: KAIROS Blanket Exercise facilitated by Grace Campbell and Lorraine Whitman

The KAIROS Blanket Exercise (KBE) is an experiential teaching tool that explores the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the land we now know as Canada. The purpose is to understand reconciliation though experiential education. Counsellors will be available on site if needed.

The Red Spruce Mental Health Centre is pleased to support the Municipal Equity and Anti-Racism Symposium. The Red Spruce is a cost-free mental health centre run through Acadia’s graduate Counselling program. Two Red Spruce counselling interns will be available during the Blanket Exercise to provide trauma informed support to anyone who may find they are impacted by the activities and discussions of the KAIROS Blanket Exercise and would like to debrief with a trained counselling professional. Livia Peyton and Don Batstone, two graduate interns in their final weeks of practicum, will be on site until noon to offer free counselling and welcome the opportunity to support this group through their morning of experiential learning and reflection.

12:15pm – 1:15pm: Lunch at the Old Orchard Inn

1:15pm – 2:45pm: Session #1 Cultural Competencies & Intersectionality facilitated by Rena Kulczycki (they/them), Wisdom2Action

As municipalities in NS endeavour to address racism and hate in our communities, the development of effective strategies and policy depends on the insight and expertise of those directly impacted by these social realities. Engagement of community members with marginalized identities is vital, yet planning to do so in authentic, meaningful, and ethical ways can be riddled with uncertainties and setbacks for a myriad of reasons. Structures and processes that reinforce barriers, fragile relationships, historic actions that fuel reasonable mistrust, and consultation fatigue are a few.

This workshop will support participant’s understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the barriers experienced by individuals and communities based on their race, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ability, age and more, and combinations thereof. Building on these concepts, we will identify and explore ways to ethically engage diverse communities in broader community engagement efforts for the development of anti-racism and anti-hate strategies.

2:45 pm – 3:00 pm: Nutrition Break

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Session #2: Building Plans for Meaningful Change facilitated by April Howe, Crayon Strategies Inc

Join April Howe in a working session focused on developing the essential components of your Municipality’s Equity, and Anti-Racism and Accessibility Plans. This workshop is designed to demystify the core components necessary for building impactful and sustainable plans. Participants will gain practical insights into establishing foundational goals, understanding essential plan elements, and learning effective strategies to foster inclusivity. Join us to begin drafting tailored approaches that promote safe, welcoming, and inclusive communities across Nova Scotia.

5:00 pm: Break - Free time - go for a walk, swim, nap or network - the time is yours!

6:00 pm: Dinner at the Old Orchard Inn

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm: Fireside Storytelling & Open Mic hosted by Dr. Christina Flemming and Rose Folks in the Old Orchard Inn's Fireside Lounge

The Wednesday evening social event is Fireside Storytelling & Open Mic! You're invited to share a story, stant-up comedy, drag, song or interpretive dance - whatever secret or not so secret talent you've been harbouring, now's your chance to debut! We're here for it!

Day 2: Thursday November 21st, 2024

7:00 am - 9:00 am: Breakfast at the Old Orchard Inn

8:00 am - 9:00 am: De-stress with Accessible Yoga for Every Body with Shelly & Hannah Corkum in the Fireside Lounge at the Old Orchard Inn.

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Welcome and Intro to Keynote Speaker: Juanita Peters, Executive Director Africville Museum

10:00 am - 10:15 am: Nutrition Break

10:15 am - 12:00 pm: Session #3 Developing Anti-Hate Strategies for your Plans facilitated by Craig Upshaw, H.E.D.I Consultants

This session will be focussed on understanding the community, learning from the community, and growing alongside the community to build a better strategy to combat and dismantle hate in your communities. To gain better understanding of hate, this session will cover: definitions, hate crimes, the Criminal Code and section 718.2 (a)(i) ccc, statistics, and traumatic impact on communities and youth. We will also also speak about the importance of reassurance, and how to build pro-active responses into your Plans. This is a heavy session - come with your questions, concerns, and know that we're all in this together.

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch at the Old Orchard Inn

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Session #4 Informal to Formal Engagement Panel featuring Municipal and Community Equity Leads- Livinus Numfor from Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, Fawn Logan-Young from Recreation Nova Scotia, Corrie Melanson from Sea Change CoLab and Tammy Feltmate from Municipality of the County of Antigonish.

This panel will offer invaluable insights into effective community engagement strategies. By studying and learning from jurisdictions that have successfully developed and implemented focused engagement approaches, we can identify best practices, and potential challenges to avoid. These insights provide a rich, contextual understanding of how different communities have navigated complex engagement landscapes, tailored their strategies to local needs, and built meaningful connections with diverse populations. Through collaborative knowledge sharing, and strategic adaptation, we can elevate our own engagement practices, drawing inspiration from the successes and learning from the experiences of others in community engagement.

2:00 pm - 2:15 pm: Nutrition Break - grab your snack and head to the World Cafe for one-to-one time for feedback on your Plans!

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm: Connection Cafe - Here's your chance to meet one-to-one with subject matter experts from our partners at the Province and the Community to seek feedback or ask questions that will help shape or support your Equity, Anti-Racism and Accessibility Plans. Come meet with Grace Campbell (Office of L'nu Affairs), Luke Power (The Office of Equity and Anti-Racism), Laura Beth MacPherson (Accessibility Directorate), Regional Project Administrative Officers from African Nova Scotian Affairs, Shruti Gola Taraschi-Carr (Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission), Craig Upshaw (H.E.D.I Consultants), Rena Kulczycki (Wisdom2Action), Fawn Logan-Young (Recreation Nova Scotia) and Xiaoyun Shen (Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration). We will also have an Open Space table to meet with other Leads to discuss questions you've posted on our Open Space Discussion board throughout the 2-days. Accessible Communication/ Plain Language instructor Erin Casey will host a table to discuss Language for Inclusion and Belonging.

3:15 pm - 3:30 pm: Closing Remarks, Learnings and Next Steps by Natasha Jackson, Director/Executive Lead Community Engagement at Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing


Facilitators for KAIROS Blanket Exercise

Lorraine Whitman (“Grandmother White Sea Turtle”) is one of 14 siblings of the late Chief Joseph Peters and Elder Doris (Brooks) Peters and granddaughter of the late Chief Louis Peters of Bear River, member of Glooscap First Nation in Nova Scotia.

Lorraine worked for 23 years as a social development officer and as the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative Coordinator for Glooscap First Nation. She served Glooscap First Nation as an elected councillor from 1997–2012, sat on the Board of Directors of the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq for more than 15 years, served as a health committee member for the Tripartite Forum for more than 10 years and was the Mi’kmaq representative on the Annapolis Valley School Board from 2000–2003. She also developed The Fair Trade Seven Sacred Teachings Coffee roast blend for Just Us! Coffee, with a portion of the proceeds directed toward select Indigenous programs.

In 2017, Lorraine was elected President of the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association and became an Elder for Acadia University as well as a Board Member of the Nova Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network. She was a Mi’kmaq Language Advisory representative (2020) and has received the Nova Scotia Volunteer Award (2019). Lorraine was elected President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) in September 2019. NWAC engages in national and international advocacy aimed at legislative and policy reforms that promote equality for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit 2SLGTBQQIA people. Through advocacy, policy, and legislative analysis, NWAC works to preserve Indigenous culture and advance the well-being of all Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people, as well as their families and communities.

Lorraine was recognized in 2020, October 1st Treaty Day with the Grand Chief Marshall Elders Sr. Award and currently sits as a member of the Mi’kmawey Debert Elders Advisory Council. In 2020 Lorraine was an Elder involved in the international project together with Omar Gandhi Architect team with the winning design for the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, which pays homage to Mi’kmaq culture.

Over the years, Lorraine has volunteered at the Windsor Exhibition, informing others about the Mi’kmaw culture, heritage, and ceremonies in her territory. She has participated with her younger sister Darlene in the Commemoration of our Sisters in Spirit over the past 11 years and has led various Mi’kmaw cultural events, including porcupine quill demonstrations, talks, singing and drumming. Lorraine is married to her husband Thomas of 40 years and has raised their daughter according to Mi’kmaw culture and traditions.

Grace Campbell is a Cree woman who belongs to the Taykwa Tagamou Nations located in Northern Ontario. She is the granddaughter of Chief Isiah Sutherland of Moose Factory.

Grace is a national facilitator of the Kairos Blanket Exercise; she has delivered the blanket exercise since 2002. Grace believes the exercise is one tool to support reconcilAction. Grace is a former educator teaching children as young as 2 years to 15 years! She has degrees in Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology as well as an Early Childhood Educator diploma.

Grace has worked with the provincial government for 12 years in various departments such as Justice and Status of Women’s Office. Today, she is the Program Manager at the Office of L’nu Affairs in the Policy and Indigenous Relations division. Prior to joining government, Grace worked with the Mi’kmaw Legal Support Network as their Program Manager prioritizing the judicial needs of all Indigenous people within Nova Scotia.

Grace is married and the proud mother of 2 children and 2 grandsons and loves living in Mi’kmaq Territory of Nova Scotia.

Introducing our Speakers

Rena Kulczycki is a facilitator of transformational experiences based in the unceded traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq. With over 20 years’ experience designing, delivering and coordinating projects, programs and partnerships for community development and systems change, their approach is driven by a deep desire for justice and care. Anything they do with groups prioritizes right relationships as the foundation for work to move forward well. A 2nd generation settler in Mi’kma’ki, Rena’s education, training, and expertise are derived from a myriad of traditional and non-traditional avenues. They work as a consultant and expert in Community Youth Development, Youth Engagement, Adult Education and Facilitation, and have experience doing so for a variety of government, education and community-based groups. While they have served communities across Turtle Island, their efforts have been located predominantly within the regions of the Wabanaki Confederacy. Wisdom2Action


April Howe has been an active voice for diversity and inclusion for many years. Through her Consulting firm Crayon Strategies Inc., she helps organizations create the conditions for authentic inclusiveness. She consults and coaches extensively with clients within the public, private, and non-profit sectors. April served the Province of Nova Scotia from 2018 – 2023, most recently as the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Before being appointed as Deputy, she was the Senior Executive Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Justice. Before joining the Department of Justice, April was Executive Director of People and Culture with the Public Service Commission. Former to joining government, April was a Partner with Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette leading their Career Services practice. April holds an Executive Master of Business from Saint Mary's University - Sobey School of Business and is also a Certified Career and Executive Coach. As a believer in community engagement, April co-chaired the successful 2020 Halifax Mayoral campaign for Mayor Mike Savage. She currently sits on the Boards of the Neptune Theater, the International Women’s Forum (IWF), and the Africville Heritage Trust. Previously, she served on the of boards of the North End Community Health Center, the IWK Foundation, the Halifax Partnership, the United Way Halifax, the Black Business Initiative, and Dress for Success. Crayon Strategies Inc


Shelly & Hannah Corkum: Over 10 years ago, fighting depression, Shelley went to her first yoga class since college and fell in love with it. She noticed how it changed her mind and body and thought it would help her son that has ADHD and anxiety and her daughter with Cerebral Palsy. After seeing the changes in them and realizing how yoga saved her life, she decided to become a yoga instructor. In 2017 she received her Yoga teacher training certificate and then in 2018 went to Toronto to receive her Accessible yoga training certificate. Shelley believes that yoga is for Every body, if you can breathe, you can do yoga. The yoga practice she will be providing will be a wake-up Flow yoga, 20 mins warm up, 20 mins, connective movements and 20 mins of cool down working in areas to release tension and anxiety to get ready for the day. Her daughter Hannah will be assisting her by doing the practice in her wheelchair to help guide anyone that would like to do the practice in a chair or use a wheelchair.

Juanita Peters is known by many people, as many things. She is an actor, film and stage director, and playwright.

As a film writer and director she has given us: I Made a Vow, Hannah’s Story, Africville; Can’t Stop Now, and 8:37 Rebirth which has won multiple awards in Canada, New York, London and Paris.

Juanita Peters directed two seasons of the Film Nova Scotia Award winning dramatic series “Studio Black” and the multi-award winning television series DIGGSTOWN. As a playwright she has given us: The San Family, The Mother Club, I M Possible and The Green Book. Founding member of Women In Film and Television Atlantic and Founding member of Atlantic Canada’s newest multicultural festival Nova MultiFest. Member of Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre, Canadian Actors Equity, Actra and the Directors Guild of Canada. Board member of The Robert Pope Foundation and Matchstick Theatre. Named the 2023 Portia White Prize Winner by Creative Arts NS and the 2022 Woman of the Year by the union representing 28,000 professional actors across the country, ACTRA. Juanita Peters is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal and the King Charles III Coronation medal. In addition to this Juanita Peters is the Executive Director of the Africville Museum.

A retired Detective Constable with Halifax Regional Police, Craig Upshaw was the first full-time Hate Crime Investigator in Atlantic Canada and a former Diversity Officer. With a passion for serving the public and working directly with communities, Craig now provides education and training in hate, equity, diversity and inclusion. Along with his specialized training and experience in these areas, Craig draws on his own lived experience to bring a deep and solid understanding of the impacts hate can have on individuals and communities. Craig was instrumental in establishing the award-winning Hate Crime Unit in January 2022, the first of its kind within Atlantic Canada. Through his effective investigation skills, recognition of the importance of community reassurance, and commitment to developing and improving the unit, Craig quickly became a well-known and respected figure in the local, regional, and national fight against hate. He served on the national Hate Crime Task Force, was a member of the Ontario Hate Crime Investigative Team (HCEIT) and the Alberta Hate Crime Investigative Group (AHCIG), and sat on the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) sub-committee to address Ideologically-Motivated Violent Extremism (IMVE). He has delivered training and presentations to police officers, civilians working in law enforcement, and within schools and camps across Nova Scotia. Craig retired from policing in August 2023 with an exemplary service record, and continues to devote his time to serving the public and communities through working in partnership with others to build relationships and provide education surrounding the traumatic impacts of hate through H.E.D.I Consultants. He remains committed to raising awareness in the areas of hate, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Introducing our Panelists

Livinus Numfor is originally from Cameroon, Central Africa, where he obtained his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry. After that, he taught high school Biology and Chemistry for 5 years before immigrating to Canada in 2012 via the Quebec Skilled Workers Program. Livinus obtained a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Guelph, Ontario in 2017 with a major in Health Promotion and minor in Epidemiology. Livinus was hired by the Nova Scotia Health Authority in June 2019 as a Health Promotion Specialist for Mental Health and Addictions for the Tri-County of Yarmouth. Livinus is the Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator for the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, where he works to identify, prevent, and eliminate barriers experienced by people with disabilities in municipal programs, services, initiatives, and facilities. He works with the team to foster an accessible and inclusive workplace. Besides local history and culture, his interests include family, movies, soccer, and travelling.

Fawn Logan-Young (she/they) is an Anti-Racism and Equity consultant and facilitator, who has supported the creation and promotion of Recreation Nova Scotia’s (RNS) Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation.

Beyond working for RNS, Fawn was Parks Canada’s Youth Ambassador in 2021. There, she worked for the federal Communications and Outreach Team promoting outdoor recreation, wellness, and diversity, while in tandem, supported internal diversity, equity and inclusion commitments.

More recently, Fawn worked with former MLA for Preston, Angela Simmonds, during her leadership race for the Liberal Party of Nova Scotia, followed by becoming the Constituency Assistant for the Preston Township.

On the side, Fawn pursues an initiative she started in 2017, called Different Rooute which aims to connect youth with the outdoors, themselves, and their community through recreation programming and facilitation. As Fawn continues supporting the Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation, she looks forward to helping municipalities reimagine their policies and social culture through an anti-racist lens.

Corrie Melanson combines more than 25 years’ facilitation experience with proven principles of adult education, universal design, and culturally responsive practices to facilitate breakthrough conversations that spark engaged action and learning. Sea Change CoLab

Tammy Feltmate, Director of Sustainable Communities with the Municipality of the County of Antigonish(MCA). Equity, Justice Relationship building and Anti-racism are core values of Tammy's personal, and professional worlds and a grounding part of her core being. She likes to push and challenge the idea of building team to become striving for community and family. Having worked at MCA for 16 years she is constantly learning new ways and paths in local government to do those things.

Tammy started by studying Sciences at Acadia University, then left for Northern Pakistan with Canada World Youth at 18, which opened the world up to her in a spectacular way. Upon return, she studied International Development and Gender (Women's Studies) at Dalhousie and then spent the next 15 years exploring and finding community throughout Canada and the world working with NGOs and local governments. Tammy returned full time to N.S. to work with the Coady International Institute, as a new mom and after working on a couple provincial projects she found her way to MCA. Being a mom keeps her being actively an anti-racist and fuels her hope that change is possible. When not working or learning, Tammy recharges with her dogs, horses, and family and is currently planning a winter adventure to Southern Californian-desert and coast with her daughter who is living every equestrian's winter dream of spending days in the sun and sand with horses.

Host for the Fireside Storytelling

Dr. Christina Flemming is a lifelong storyteller, poet, and writer. She facilitates graduate and B.Ed. courses at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU). She is Managing Editor of the scholarly journal Art/Research International. She holds a PhD in Educational Studies from MSVU. A lover of words, Christina also holds a Master of Arts in English Literature and Creative Writing from Concordia University, and a Bachelor of Journalism Degree from the University of King’s College. Her research explores how storytelling can help us to unhinge normative narratives. For the last two years, Christina has been hosting live events, including the annual Pride Prom at Schoolhouse Brewery in Windsor, NS. She loves sequins and bagels.


Rosie Folks is a singer-songwriter and music producer immersed in the Annapolis Valley music scene. She regularly hosts community music events, acts as a mentor, producer, and sound engineer. A bold and original voice, Rosie Folks blends elements of folk and pop to create a unique and captivating sound. Influenced by the likes of Sheryl Crow, Tom Petty and Bo Burnham, Rosie’s music is infused with catchy melodies, handcrafted lyrics and refreshing authenticity.

Facilitators for The Connection Cafe

Xiaoyun Shen (she/her) has worked with Immigration and Population Growth, Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration for 1.5 years and is now the Community Navigator for South Shore and Valley regions. Xiaoyun is originally from Shanghai, China, moved to Canada in February 2023 with a marketing background, she is also a newly-elected executive team member of Immigrant Newcomer Network for Nova Scotia Government Employees.




Page last updated: 20 Dec 2024, 04:55 PM