2018 Human Rights Awards Presented

Recipients of the 2018 Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards were honoured at a ceremony today, Dec. 10, at the Halifax Central Library.

Each year, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission recognizes Nova Scotians nominated by their peers for work in the field of human rights, social justice and advocacy.

Today is also International Human Rights Day and marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

“Human rights work is community strengthening work,” said Christine Hanson, director and CEO of the Commission. “Recipients of today’s awards exemplify the characteristics of true leaders working tirelessly to strengthen and empower the communities they live in, belong to and care for.”

The following are this year’s recipients:

Youth Award:

• Kardeisha Provo, North Preston, was recognized for her work challenging negative stereotypes about the African Nova Scotian community of North Preston through her Youtube channel and public presentations.

Individual Awards:

• DeRico Symonds, Halifax, recipient of the Dr. Burnley "Rocky" Jones Award, was recognized for his community activism in addressing educational, vocational, and social barriers facing African Nova Scotian and other marginalized youth by providing employment opportunities and educational programs.
• Eric Smith, Halifax, received an award for his advocacy towards the protection of people with HIV/AIDS and those within the 2SLGBTIQ+ community from discrimination in the workplace.
• Huwaida Medani, Halifax, was recognized for her advocacy towards equitable opportunities for marginalized and racialized women in leadership and work promoting education, integration and support for newcomers to Nova Scotia.

Group Awards:

• Inverness Development Association for its outstanding service through the Inverness Beach Boardwalk renewal initiative which created accessibility to beachgoers with disabilities.
• The South End Environmental Injustice Society, Shelburne, for its advocacy against environmental racism and promotion of education on this issue.

“The deserving recipients of this year’s awards act as a reminder that the work of strengthening human rights in Nova Scotia is a responsibility we all share,” said Ms. Hanson. “The commission is committed to supporting the good work of citizens. We are grateful for their dedication to the work of making Nova Scotia a more inclusive and equitable place to live.”

For more information on the awards and for bios of the recipients, visit humanrights.novascotia.ca