What is the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute?

 

The African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI) is a non-profit advocacy organization that provides free legal services and guidance to African Nova Scotians and Black people of African descent living in Nova Scotia.

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ANSJI focuses on Criminal Law, as well as Family Law and Child Welfare, with a highly skilled team of lawyers and support staff dedicated to ensuring fairer legal outcomes for clients. Through its specialized internal units, ANSJI also provides tools such as Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs™), reintegration planning, and court navigation support.

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Why was ANSJI created? And why does ANSJI serve only African Nova Scotians and Black people of African Descent in Nova Scotia?

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The African Nova Scotian Justice Institue (ANSJI) was created to support African Nova Scotians and Black people of African descent in contact with the law and to help address overrepresentation and anti-Black racism in the justice system. It provides free, culturally relevant legal services and advocacy designed to reduce disparities and promote fairer outcomes.

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​ANSJI, the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada, was established out of the African Nova Scotian Decade for People of African Descent Coalition working group. Read the full provincial news release here.

 

What free legal services does the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute provide?

 

Our free legal services include:

 

• Criminal law

• Youth justice (Individuals aged 12 to 17):

       - Criminal law

       - Family and child welfare

       - Mental health

       - Addictions

       - Social justice issues

• Family law and child welfare:

       - Child protection

       - Custody

       - Visitation

       - Child support

       - Emergency protection orders under the Domestic Violence Intervention Act (DVIA)

• Human rights (Summary of Services):

       - Workplace discrimination

       - Consumer racial profiling

       - Harassment and bullying

       - Access to justice

       - Housing discrimination

 

What legal matters does the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute not cover?

 

The African Nova Scotian Justice Institute does not handle legal matters such as:

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• Property law and land titles

• Tax law

• Civil matters, such as monetary damages

• Wills and estates

• Corporate and commercial law

• Divorce

• Advocacy beyond the Early Resolution process at the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, such as representation at the board of inquiry

 

How do I put in a request for services?

 

To request services, please complete our intake form here. A member of our team will contact you.

 

What do I do if the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute cannot represent me?

 

If the African Nova Scotia Justice Institute cannot represent you, we will connect you with other services that may be able to help. See our list of additional resources for more information.

 

What are Impact of Race and Culture Assessments™?

 

Impact of Race and Culture Assessments™ (IRCAs™) are structured, clinical evaluations used at sentencing. They assist judges in understanding how factors such as racism, poverty, and discrimination may have contributed to the individual’s circumstance and involvement in the justice system.

 

Learn more about IRCAs™ here.

 

What is a Justice Navigator?

 

A Justice Navigator works with youth and their families to help prevent recidivism and navigate areas such as criminal law, family and child welfare, mental health, addictions, and social justice issues.

 

Why is there not a justice navigator in my community?

 

The African Nova Scotian Justice's capacity is limited, which means we are not yet able to place Justice Navigators in every community across Nova Scotia. We are working toward expanding this service and hope to increase our reach in the future.

 

Have more questions? Contact us.