Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Building a community to belong and grow
At ISANS, we are committed to fairness, respect, and making sure everyone feels welcome and included. We want to create spaces where people’s unique backgrounds and identities are celebrated. Through advocacy, special programs, and workshops, we work to support fairness and give diverse voices a chance to be heard. Our goal is to build a strong, inclusive community where everyone can succeed.
We believe that real change happens one person at a time. By working closely with community members, we are helping create a future where everyone who lives in Nova Scotia feels they belong.
Since 2013, our Intercultural Workplace Program has helped employers across Nova Scotia create welcoming and respectful workplaces. As businesses and communities change, we update our programs to meet their needs. We provide safe spaces where everyone can share their ideas, and our facilitators understand that each person’s experience is different.
We offer live workshops online and in person, both general and customized for different workplaces and industries across the province. We also answer questions and give advice like consultants would, sharing our knowledge about many workplace situations. We learn from employers every month to keep improving our programs. Anyone working in Nova Scotia is welcome to share their experiences as we help build stronger intercultural skills across all sectors.
The Welcoming Communities Program helps service providers and community members make Nova Scotia safer and more welcoming for immigrants. Through interactive workshops and community projects, participants learn how to move from just understanding the issues to taking real action. The program helps people build better relationships across cultures and break down barriers.
A key part of the program is the Building Intercultural Competence workshop, a full-day session that helps people understand immigration, settlement, and integration better. Participants learn practical ways to welcome newcomers and improve communication across cultures.
We also offer workshops on topics like fairness and inclusion, unconscious bias, micro-aggressions, power and privilege, and the immigrant experience. One special workshop, celebrating our Black Heritage, focuses on the history and contributions of African Nova Scotians and Black immigrants, encouraging respect and conversation.
Whether you work on the front lines, make policies, teach, or are an active community member, the Welcoming Communities Program gives you tools to help build welcoming, diverse communities where everyone feels at home.
The Welcome Ambassador Program (WAP) helps build welcoming and inclusive communities across Nova Scotia through hands-on learning. Participants learn how to support refugees and newcomers with skills in trauma-informed care, cultural humility, communication, and empathy. This safe learning space encourages self-reflection and growth, preparing participants to be active community leaders after their training.
WAP treats participants as partners in learning, not just learners. Through personal reflection and group discussions, participants talk about what makes a safe space, focusing on respect, listening, honesty, and kindness. This shared understanding gives Ambassadors the knowledge and tools they need to make a lasting positive impact in their communities.
At ISANS, we know that fairness, respect, and inclusion are key to building a stronger Nova Scotia. Through these programs and partnerships, we are proud to help create a province where everyone feels valued, supported, and truly at home.
Intercultural Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Video Series
“Inclusion is a Shared Responsibility. Growth happens through awareness, humility, and consistent action. Encourage open and respectful conversations in your workplace so everyone feels safe to share their experiences and concerns. Creating space for these dialogues helps address issues early and fosters a more inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for all.”
Colleen Belle
Coordinator, Welcoming Communities