Anti-Oppression Statement

The Nova Scotia Library Association is committed to achieving racial and social equity by contributing to building a more just society in which all community members can realize their full potential. We acknowledge the deeply rooted and widespread systems of oppression present in our society and we stand with the marginalized communities affected by them. These people include:

• Indigenous people

• Black People

• People of Colour

• People with different abilities

• Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

• Immigrants

• Others who experience hatred and rejection in society because of who they are.

Libraries are trusted and enduring community institutions, and an essential participant in the movement for racial and social equity. We commit to making purposeful change that can help achieve true and sustained equity in the communities we serve by:

• Championing the elimination of racial and social equity barriers in library services, policies and practices;

• Fostering an understanding and respectful environment that represents our communities and prioritizes diversity and inclusion;

• Reaching and engaging marginalized people to facilitate conversations and partnerships to address community challenges;

• Being forthright on tough issues that are important to our communities.

Creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community is an ongoing and evolving process. We recognize that we will make mistakes and we are committed to learning from them and holding ourselves accountable. We welcome feedback and suggestions from our community to help us advance anti-oppression practices.

The Board is committed to reviewing this statement on an annual basis, at the 1st regular meeting following the AGM.

Feedback and suggestions to the NSLA Vice-President at vice.president@nsla.ns.ca.