Call for Nominations: Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards (Canada)

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission presents the Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards to recognize people and groups in Nova Scotia who advance human rights. Nominations are peer-submitted and reviewed by a committee, with nominations accepted year-round. The deadline for nominations for the 2026 awards is 1 November 2026 at 4:00 pm. Opportunity at a Glance

- Opportunity name: Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards (2026)

- Funding provider / award body: Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission

- Opportunity type: Annual awards nomination (no grant funding described in the source)

- Who it recognizes: Human rights champions in Nova Scotia (individuals and groups/organizations)

- Eligible locations: Nova Scotia, Canada

- Nomination deadline: 1 November 2026 at 4:00 pm (time zone not specified in the source)

- Submission method: Online nomination form

- Selection approach: Recipients are nominated by peers and chosen by a committee (specific selection criteria beyond eligibility not specified in the source)

About the Opportunity

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission presents the Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards each year on or around International Human Rights Day. The awards recognize courageous work by Nova Scotians who advance human rights within the province. Nominations are submitted by peers and selected by a committee. Nominations can be submitted year-round via an online form. Funding and Benefits The source does not specify monetary awards, grant amounts, or other financial benefits. Instead, it describes the awards as a recognition of individuals and groups/organizations that advance human rights in Nova Scotia. Who Is Eligible? All nominees must meet the following conditions: - Have not received an award in the same category within the previous five (5) years - Espouse human rights values and not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act - Include a component of education and leadership in their human rights-related work - Be a resident of Nova Scotia - Not nominate themselves In addition, nominees for a Group or Organization Award must: - Be comprised of two (2) or more people, and - Have operations in Nova Scotia Youth Award eligibility - Presented to an individual aged 20 or younger - Work promotes equity and inclusion - Work advances understanding of human rights and its importance in empowering youth to advocate for themselves, their peers, and their communities Individual Award eligibility - Presented to an individual aged 21 or older - Demonstrates leadership - Work has contributed to change in their community by advancing equity, inclusion, and the value of promoting and protecting human rights Dr. Burnley Allan “Rocky” Jones Award eligibility - Presented to an individual of African descent - Work reflects and builds upon the legacy of Dr. Burnley Allan “Rocky” Jones, championing racial equality, advancing justice, and fostering socio-economic empowerment Wel’lukwen Award eligibility - Presented to an L’nu individual (youth or adult), group, or organization - Work advances the rights of Mi’kmaq/Indigenous people - Work helps create a just, equitable, and inclusive society Group Award eligibility - Presented to a group or organization

- Collective action serves to:

- Protect dignity - Advance equity - Promote inclusion - Raise awareness of human rights in Nova Scotia Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The source frames eligibility around nominees’ human rights-related work and its impact. Supported areas include: - Advancing equity and inclusion - Promoting and protecting human rights - Providing education and leadership in human-rights-related work - Addressing discrimination based on protected characteristics under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act - Advancing the rights of Mi’kmaq/Indigenous people (for the Wel’lukwen Award) - Championing racial equality and related justice and empowerment (for the Dr. Burnley Allan “Rocky” Jones Award) Specific project formats or activities are not listed beyond these thematic requirements. Why This Opportunity Matters This nomination opportunity helps recognize human rights champions across Nova Scotia—including youth, community leaders, and organizations working collectively. By requiring education and leadership components and a commitment to non-discrimination, the awards highlight work that builds understanding and promotes inclusive, rights-based communities. How to Apply - Submit a nomination using the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission’s online nomination form.

- The source states: “Submit a nomination using this online form.”

- Official link: Not provided in the supplied text. The source URL for the awards page is: https://humanrights.novascotia.ca/awards

- Respect the nomination deadline for the 2026 awards:

- 1 November 2026 at 4: 00 pm

- Time zone not specified in the source. - Ensure your nominee meets the eligibility requirements listed above, including: - Residency in Nova Scotia - No self-nomination - No award in the same category within the previous five years - Education and leadership component - Additional group/organization conditions where applicable Documents and required information Not specified in the source provided. Applicants should follow the instructions within the official online nomination form. Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Do not self-nominate. The source explicitly states nominees must not nominate themselves.

- Check the five-year category rule: nominees must not have received an award in the same category within the previous five (5) years.

- Confirm residency: nominees must be residents of Nova Scotia.

- For group/organization submissions, confirm there are two (2) or more people and that the group/organization has operations in Nova Scotia. - Include a clear education and leadership component in the nominated human rights work, as this is explicitly required. Frequently Asked Questions What are the Nova Scotia Human Ri