top of page

122 results found with an empty search

  • Gabrielle Bardall | ACIC-CACI

    From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Gabrielle Bardall Assistant Professor of Politics Canada Research Chair in Women, Democracy, and Power in the Francophonie, Université Sainte-Anne About Gabrielle Gabrielle Bardall is assistant professor of politics and candidate for a Canada Research Chair in Women, Democracy, and Power in the Francophonie at Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia. She is a visiting professor at the University of Ottawa and a fellow and adjunct professor at the Centre for the Study of Security and Development at Dalhousie University. She has worked on democracy support initiatives in over 60 countries around the world for various UN agencies, bilateral foreign affairs and international non-profit organizations, and as founder and director of the Herizon Democracy consulting group. She specializes in gender, security, and democratization issues, particularly women's political rights in post-conflict and authoritarian states. A former Vice-President of the Parliamentary Centre, she recently worked for Canada's Ambassador for Women, Peace, and Security as Senior Policy Advisor at Global Affairs Canada. Professor Bardall is a graduate of McGill University, Sciences Po Paris, and the University of Montreal. She was awarded the Congressional Fellowship by the American Political Science Association and the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Doctoral Scholarship for her work in the field of gender-based political violence.

  • From Aid to Action: Symposium 2025 | ACIC-CACI

    From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Join us in Halifax, June 18-19, 2025, for two days of transformative discussions, collaboration, and action. Celebrating 50 years of solidarity & global cooperation, this year’s symposium will bring together changemakers to reimagine international development. June 18 + 19, 2025 Halifax, NS & Virtually Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's University Symposium PhotoVoices Across the globe, powerful and well-resourced countries are pulling back on their commitments to Overseas Development Assistance (ODA). These decisions create real uncertainty for communities and organizations working to advance global solidarity. At a time when foreign aid remains essential to addressing urgent global challenges, this retreat signals the need for renewed dialogue, collaboration, and action. As ACIC marks its 50th anniversary, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. The landscape of international cooperation is shifting rapidly. Political polarization, funding cuts, and changing global power dynamics are testing the foundations of solidarity and development work. These shifts call for new approaches that centre justice, equity, and local leadership. This year’s Symposium invites us to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine the future of global cooperation. Together, we’ll ask: What role does foreign aid continue to play in building more equitable, connected communities? How can we sustain and diversify resources in the face of political and economic uncertainty? What does it take to build partnerships rooted in long-term, community-led solutions? How can we learn from past movements and transitions to navigate today’s challenges with clarity and purpose? The Symposium will bring together current and past ACIC members—those who have helped build just, equitable communities across the globe—alongside civil society leaders, policymakers, private sector stakeholders, and youth. Together, we will examine how international cooperation has evolved over the decades, and how we can move forward with hope, purpose, and a shared commitment to equity and justice. Education remains central to this conversation, both as a catalyst for peace and security and as a tool for equipping communities with the knowledge to engage in global development efforts. From grassroots activism to institutional advocacy, from Southern-led partnerships to shifts in donor landscapes, this Symposium will highlight pathways to action, ensuring that hope remains the foundation for international cooperation in the decades ahead. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to global solidarity and the transformative power of partnership. In times of uncertainty, we look back to move forward, learning from history to build a more just, resilient, and interconnected future. Schedule Speakers Our Speakers and Presenters. This year’s Symposium will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers from across the Atlantic region, Canada, and the globe, bringing together voices from grassroots movements, civil society organizations, academia, and international cooperation networks. Their lived experiences and insights will ground our discussions in the realities of today’s challenges and the possibilities for collective action. To learn more about our speakers and presenters, click on the images below: Ambassador Lilly Nicholls (Retd.) Former Canadian Ambassador Shelly Whitman Executive Director, Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security Wayn Hamilton Board Member, Connecting To Africa Heather McPherson NDP MP, Edmonton-Strathcona Janice Hamilton Executive Director, Manitoba Council for International Cooperation Bright Kwame Fiaga Founder and President of the International Council for Immigration, Entrepreneurship and Employment (ICIEE) Ashley Rerrie Program Officer at the Equality Fund Paul Farran Director of Policy and Advocacy at Cooperation Canada Samuel Quansah Executive Director, Algo Peers Elder Joe Michael Pipe Carrier and a Sacred Fire Keeper Vicky Yee Executive Director, Women's Fund Fiji Eileen Alma Executive Director at Coady Institute, St. Francis Xavier University Andrew Smith Director General, Pan-African Affairs at Global Affairs Canada Judyannet Muchiri Policy and Research Officer, Inter-Council Network Kai Audi Programmes Officer, Jinsiangu Kenya DeNel Rehberg Sedo Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University María Inés Cuj Chopén General Coordinator, Administrator, and Certified Permaculturist The Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute (IMAP) Jennifer Elms Gender Equality Advisor at Aga Khan Foundation North America Tsigie Haile Founder and director of the Organization for Women in Self- Employment (WISE) Patrik Evelio Mucia Poz Biodiversity Program Coordinator, Seed Bank Administrator, Permaculture Educator The Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute (IMAP) Dr. Arturo Ezquerro-Cañete Maritimes Coordinator, Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network (BTS) David Black Professor of International Development Studies at Dalhousie University Jonathan Langdon Professor and the Canada Research Chair for Sustainability and Social Change Leadership at St Francis Xavier University Max-Prosper Fortuna Deputy Director, le Centre Haitien du Leadership et de l’Excellence (Haitian Centre for Leadership and Excellence) James Parsons Executive Director, Canadian Partnerships Division at Global Affairs Canada Shelagh Savage Lecturer, International Development Studies Department at Dalhousie University Caleigh Wong Veteran Research Partner at the Centre for Social Innovation and Community Engagement in Military Affairs Gabrielle Bardall Assistant Professor, Université Sainte-Anne Kirsten Larson PhD researcher at the Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR), University of Galway Timi Idris PhD Student at Dalhousie University Cristina Jerez Fair-Trade Coffee Marketing Coordinator for Breaking the Silence Maritimes-Guatemala Ava Green Political Science Undergraduate Student at Dalhousie University Caroline Scott Masters Student at Dalhousie University Joseph Fitkowski International Youth Internship Program Alumnus Eliza MacLauchlan Restorative Justice Facilitator with the Government of PEI

  • Symposium Youth Stream 2025 | ACIC-CACI

    Symposium Youth Stream 2025 Are you aged 19–29 and living in Atlantic Canada? Interested in global issues, social justice, and international cooperation? Connect with peers and professionals, explore careers in the sector, and gain hands-on experience at ACIC's 2025 Symposium while reflecting on how foreign aid and global solidarity are shifting. All travel, food, and accommodation expenses are covered by ACIC. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program As part of the ACIC Symposium From Aid to Action, ACIC is seeking youth (aged 19-29) to participate in the symposium’s Youth Stream. The Youth Stream provides an opportunity for participants to connect with their peers and professionals working in the field of International Cooperation and similar areas, engage in networking opportunities, as well as learn about topics related to the symposium theme, all while reflecting on how this work impacts communities at the local and global levels. This year's symposium will explore the deep uncertainty facing foreign aid. Powerful nations are cutting Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), threatening global solidarity and long-standing partnerships for justice, climate action, and gender equality. ACIC’s 2025 Symposium, From Aid to Action, is a space to reflect, connect, and act. IMPORTANT NOTE: All expenses (food, transportation, accommodation) will be covered by ACIC As part of the youth stream, you will: Engage with peers and experienced professionals working in the sector Learn about careers, locally and internationally, that contribute to better communities Combine theory and action to strengthen your understanding of praxis in relation to the symposium theme Build your resume and gain transferable skills for future careers Program Components: A 1-hour session before the Symposium where participants can connect with other members of the youth stream Attend the ACIC Symposium, in person, on June 17-19, in Halifax, NS Engage with ACIC members, and professionals to explore the ins and outs of the international cooperation sector A 1-hour debrief meeting for youth to reflect on their experience of the Symposium, share what they learned, and discuss the next steps for applying those learnings to their professional ambitions Application Process Apply at the link below. Important Dates From Aid to Action - ACIC Symposium 2025: June 18 - 19, 2025 Application Deadline: May 4, 2025 Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for the youth stream, participants will: Be between the ages of 19-29 Be living in Atlantic Canada Be available to attend the Symposium in person (June 17-19) Application Details Apply by: May 4, 2025 Learn More

  • Nova Scotia Members | ACIC-CACI

    Nova Scotia Members Connect with our Nova Scotia Members, learn more about how they are making the world a more just, equitable and sustainable world. If you are from Nova Scotia, and would like to join our membership, or learn about a member, reach out to Membership Manager, Raushni Abraham at Raushni@acic-caci.org . Organizational Members Apex Language and Career College Apex Language and Career College (ALCC) is a Halifax-based institution with over 25 years of experience supporting international students and newcomers to Canada. Committed to inclusive education, ALCC helps individuals build language skills, adapt to Canadian culture, and succeed in a globalized world. Learn More Breaking the Silence Maritimes-Guatemala Solidarity Network The Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network (BTS) is a voluntary network of people in the Maritimes who began to organize in 1988 to support the efforts of Guatemalans struggling for political, social, and economic justice. Learn More Coady International Institute Established in 1959 by St. Francis Xavier University (StFX), Coady Institute is committed to accompanying generations of global leaders skilled in the application of citizen-led, asset-based, and community-driven leadership for economic and social change. In collaboration with partners in Canada and across the globe, the Institute is committed to reducing poverty and transforming societies by strengthening local economies, by building resilient communities, and by promoting social accountability and good governance. Coady Institute is committed to breaking down and transforming the North-South divide by bringing people together to exchange innovations and learn from each other. Through relevant adult education programs, effective partnerships, and applicable research, Coady Institute is equipping community leaders and their organizations with the knowledge and practical tools needed to bring about the change they want for themselves. Learn More Connecting to Africa Connecting to Africa aims to facilitate opportunities for Nova Scotian groups and organizations of African descent to engage in partnerships with groups and organizations in Africa. The organization aims to engage in Africa’s development means to assist in the transformation and expansion of capacities for Nova Scotians of African descent, as well as Africans on the continent. Learn More Dalhousie University, Government and Global Relations Learn More Dalhousie, Faculty of Agriculture International Office Founded in 1905, Dalhousie's Agricultural Campus has come of age and stands at the threshold of a new era in agricultural education, training and research. The Faculty of Agriculture is a Canadian agricultural college and faculty of Dalhousie University located in Bible Hill, Nova Scotia and offers the only university level programs in agriculture in Atlantic Canada. Learn More Dalhousie, International Development Studies (IDS) Department Dalhousie's IDS department is one of top development studies programs in Canada and train people to be active, engaged and informed citizens. Learn More Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security is an institute at Dalhousie University that works to end the recruitment and use of child soldiers in armed violence and transform the cycles of violence. General Dallaire founded the Child Soldiers Initiative in 2007 and Dalhousie University, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, provided a home to the initiative in 2010. Since those early days, the organization has evolved extensively from a training development initiative to one that has applied research and learning that guides operational concepts and, at its core, contributes to a key gap in the peace and security architecture. In 2020, the Initiative became the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security, an international repository of expertise, research and advocacy to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed violence. Learn More Ecology Action Centre The Ecology Action Centre is a member-based environmental charity in Nova Scotia. Since 1971, they've taken leadership on critical environmental issues from biodiversity protection to climate change to environmental justice. The Ecology Action Centre acts as watchdog, convener, mobilizer and incubator, and engages community to create systemic change in the face of urgent, complex environmental issues. Learn More Lunch in the Woods Consulting Lunch In the Woods Consulting’s mission is to inspire and empower Canadians to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for their local and global communities. At Lunch in the Woods, they aim to inspire and empower Canadians to embrace mindfulness, engage in Truth, Reconciliation and Agenda 2030, foster global communities and be proactive global citizens. They aim to create communities filled with laughter, joy, peace, and deep connections while supporting individuals to contribute to this sense of inter connectedness. Their clients actively contribute to the SDGs and Agenda 2030, creating a world of social justice, environmental sustainability, and meaningful relationships. Learn More North Star Skills for Development The company can be contacted to engage in short-term consulting assignments abroad, or for in-Canada mentoring of those interested in working abroad. The company can be contacted to engage in short-term consulting assignments abroad, or for in-Canada mentoring of those interested in working abroad. The company can be contacted to engage in short-term consulting assignments abroad, or for in-Canada mentoring of those interested in working abroad. Learn More Saint Mary's University, Global Learning and Intercultural Support Office Saint Mary's University's Global Learning and Intercultural Support Office provides students the opportunity to round out their education with hands-on experience and international connections by studying abroad. They are committed to ensuring an equitable opportunity in their study abroad programs and providing high-quality international learning experiences for students of all abilities and backgrounds. Learn More Tatamagouche Centre Tatamagouche Centre is a non-profit educational, conference and retreat centre located in the village of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. Tatamagouche Centre holds international recognition for its adult education and facilitation training and programming. Learn More Venture2impact Venture 2 Impact uses human centered design and design thinking to approach complex challenges and work with global communities to increase digital resilience and advance gender equity, education, economic opportunity, and well-being for all. Learn More WUSC (World University Service of Canada) WUSC is a Canadian non-profit organization working to create a better world for all young people. We bring together a diverse network of students, volunteers, schools, governments, and businesses who share this vision. Together, we foster youth-centered solutions for improved education, economic, and empowerment opportunities to overcome inequality and exclusion in over 15 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Learn More Individual Members Aliyanna Gordon Aliyanna Gordon is an Indigenous and second-generation immigrant student at Saint Mary’s University, pursuing Commerce with a passion for equity, law, and policy-making. A nationally recognized youth leader, she has facilitated workshops on social justice, anti-racism, and mental health through the Students Commission of Canada. Aliyanna brings experience in public speaking, mentorship, and youth empowerment to ACIC’s community. Alyssa Hoseman Alyssa Hoseman is the Executive Director of PARSA, a nonprofit based in Afghanistan focused on building healthy communities through local leadership. With 15 years of experience in international development, she brings deep expertise in grassroots programming, gender equity, and organizational strategy in post-conflict settings. Based in rural Nova Scotia, Alyssa wants to connect Atlantic Canadian development communities. Becca Bishop Becca Bishop has been a community development practitioner for over five years with a degree in community development from St. Francis Xavier and formal training from Coady International Insitute. She is an advocate for cross-sector collaboration, transparency, and accountability and takes an asset-based approach to engaging young people as global citizens. Through her work as a Community Developer for HRM, Becca has supported community and public sector organizations to enhance their facilitation, capacity building, and public engagement efforts. Alongside the local community development work she leads, Becca is a consultant for international development projects. Currently, she is leading the youth public engagement activities for CARE Canada’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights project. Bobbi Zahra Bobbi Zahra is a public servant who works with Fisheries & Oceans Canada, where she teaches and trains in IT/IM. Outside that role, she has always been active in her community and is presently the President of the Board of Halifax Theatre for Young People, an independent theatre company that commissions and produces work of enduring value for young people and their families. She is a Holocaust scholar, with a great interest in post-Holocaust theology. Although she has a Twitter account, she is somewhat sporadic in its use, but you will find her by the Twitter handle - @sleehah. Camila Dos Res Santos da Silva Camila is passionate about social justice and community engagement, and actively supports movements for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, active mobility, and sustainability. Her advocacy extends to addressing gender-based violence through a feminist lens, emphasizing holistic support services and culturally sensitive counselling. With experience as a Gender Advisor with Cuso International in Honduras and a Registered Counselling Therapist, she’s honed a deep understanding of intersectional oppression and the importance of mental health and gender equality. Committed to integrating decolonial, anti-racist, and intersectional perspectives, I advocate for awareness of compounded marginalization and prioritize clients' well-being in all endeavours. Godspromise Effiong Godspromise is a multi-skilled professional known for exceptional people and business friendly communications solutions through impactful mediation, product knowledge and portfolio management. An image-centric individual delivering strategic, clear and concise messages, product research and technical support with foundations in Conflict Resolution, Public Relations, Administration and Data Analysis, emerging GRC Specialist. Hareesh Sahadevan Hareesh Sahadevan is eager to join ACIC because he aligns with its mission of fostering equitable and sustainable communities. As a board member of an NGO in Uganda focused on refugee resettlement, he sees collaboration with ACIC as a way to enhance his impact. Professionally, Hareesh is affiliated with Emvigo BPO, Gex Logistics, Best Recruitment, Tranztrex Solution, and Tecnostac Systems. His volunteer roles include Board Member of Care Well Foundation, Vice Chairman of Uganda BPO Association, President of ATHMA in Halifax, and Volunteer at ISANS. Jennifer King Jennifer King brings with her over a decade of invaluable experience in international development, with a specialization in gender equality, rural development, and fostering systemic change. Having recently relocated to Nova Scotia, she is eager to forge connections with fellow professionals in Atlantic Canada, enriching our network with her expertise and dedication to global development efforts. Welcome back, Jennifer, as you rejoin our vibrant community! Keith Forsythe Keith Forsyth was a public Chartered Accountant for many years in Nova Scotia. Since then he has become a nomad traveling the world. He has spent over five years as an international volunteer in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Carribbean as well as spending over three years in the Canadian North. Kevin Deveaux Kevin Deveaux is a Canadian lawyer who was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 1998 for the constituency of Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage. He was re-elected in 1999, 2003 and 2006. During his time as an MP, he was the Deputy Speaker for the House from 1999-2003 and the Official Opposition House Leader from 2003-2007. In March, 2007, Kevin resigned his seat in the House of Assembly to work full time as a Senior Parliamentary Technical Adviser with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Hanoi, Vietnam. In August, 2008, he was appointed to the post of global Parliamentary Development Policy Adviser in New York with UNDP’s Democratic Governance Group, where he was in charge of the Global Programme for Parliamentary Support (GPPS) and provided guidance to more than 60 UNDP Country Offices working with national parliaments and political parties. In August 2012 he completed his work with UNDP and returned to Canada to practice law and to provide consulting services to parliaments. He has worked with the World Bank, the EU, DFID, FCO, UN Women, International IDEA and UNDP in the past years. Peter Day Peter graduated from Dalhousie in 2013 with a degree in international development and has carried out his own development mandate in Jamaica through Global Affairs Canada's International Youth Internship Program. He currently serves as a executive assistant in the office of Darrell Samson, Member of Parliament for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook Sean Kelly Sean Kelly is an award-winning professional with over 30 years of experience in program development and management, strategic planning, inclusive leadership, communications, and adult education on environment and global development issues. He has worked for organizations including Clean Nova Scotia Foundation (first as Manager of Communications and then as Director of Clean Energy Programs), Cuso International, the Lester Pearson Institute for International Development, and Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia. He won a Global Citizen Award from the UN 50th Anniversary Committee of Canada. Sean is a past Head of Communications for Cuso International, a leading North American global development agency. He led the charity through a major re-branding, and was the editor of The Sustainable Times, a magazine on environment and international development issues sold at 350 newsstands across Canada. Sean has produced radio documentaries that have been heard on the CBC, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and National Public Radio in the U.S. He has been published in many magazines and has won a National Magazine Award in Canada and a Gabriel Award for Documentary in the U.S.

  • Youth | ACIC-CACI

    Youth ACIC’s youth programs provide meaningful opportunities to learn about global issues, build skills, and make an impact as active global citizens. Through activities like the Global Citizenship Conference and workshops, youth explore issues that matter, connect with peers, and take action . With programs designed for various interests and skill levels, participants can expand their knowledge and confidence, whether they're just getting started or ready to deepen their engagement. ACIC encourages youth from Atlantic Canada to explore multiple activities, each helping them grow as leaders in their communities and beyond. Programs PhotoVoices Galleries Learn More ACIC's PhotoVoices Program enables youth to share their narratives every year through photography, writing, and art. From the art our youth from Atlantic Canada and from overseas, we've been able to curate our very own gallieries. Re-Imagining Development Gathering Learn More ACIC’s Re-imagining Development, invites post-secondary students and young professionals in fields of global solidarity/international development to participate in a gathering of the unlearning, co-learning, and re-imagining of ‘international development’. PhotoVoices 2026 Learn More Stories are powerful: they weave people and experiences together and shape how we see the world. Knowing the impact and value of a well-told story, ACIC’s PhotoVoices Program empowers youth to share the narratives they want to tell through photos. Through the program, Atlantic Canadian youth and youth from the Global South use photos to share their stories, build skills, explore various topics related to social justice, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. IDW Youth Funding 2026 Learn More To celebrate International Development Week (IDW), ACIC is excited to offer funding for youth (ages 15-30) to host their own events! Click here to view our Youth Programs archive View our Global Citizenship Conference 2024 Photo Gallery! Photo Credits: Colette Peng, 2024 Conference Digital Storyteller Contact Jackie Dowling ACIC Youth Program Manager (902) 431-2311 Jackie@acic-caci.org First Name Last Name Email Message Thanks for submitting! Send

  • ICN Youth Delegation 2025 | ACIC-CACI

    ICN Youth Delegation 2025 The Inter-Council Network is proud to work with youth from across Canada in order to ensure that their voices have the opportunity to be heard at the AWID Forum 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program Each year, the Inter-Council Network selects eight delegates (representing the eight provincial and regional councils) to attend multilateral spaces and conventions to meet with policymakers and international changemakers. Over the past few years, the delegates have participated the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The purpose of the current call for applications is to identify young individuals who will be supported by ICN in attending the AWID International Forum, providing them with the opportunity to engage in exceptional interactions at this global gathering of NGOs feminist, women's rights, gender justice. Chosen delegates are expected to take part in and contribute to a range of capacity-building and dialogue sessions before, during, and after AWID. They will also be encouraged to actively participate in and help co-create collective communication and engagement initiatives. Application Process ICN will cover the delegation members' expenses, including travel, accommodation and food, provide support to them before, during, and after the event. Please note that applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee composed of ICN Youth Delegates alumni, and all applicants can expect to hear back from ICN by October 10, 2024. The criteria used to evaluate applications will be as follows: • Meet all the eligibility criteria mentioned above; • Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of women's rights, gender equality, and social justice; • Show involvement in the international solidarity network and/or a civic movement such as feminist, LGBTQI2S+, anti-racist, Indigenous rights, migrant rights, or environmental movements; • Proficiency in English, French. Important Dates Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, candidates must: • Be between 19 and 29 years old at the start of the 15th AWID Forum, on December 2, 2024; • Have completed the online application form by September 23, 2024, at 5 PM ADT; • Be available to travel between November 26 to December 9, 2024; • Participants must have a valid passport that does not expire 6 months before intended travel; • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada; • Comply with the health regulations in effect in Canada and Thailand at the time of travel. Application Details Apply By: October 10, 2024 Learn More

  • Ashley Rerrie | ACIC-CACI

    From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Ashley Rerrie Program Officer Equality Fund About Ashley Ashley Rerrie (she/her) is a Program Officer at the Equality Fund. With a decade of experience with grants management and international development work focused on gender equality and social justice, Ashley is passionate about building relationships for transformative change. She has been a part of Equality Fund’s Global Programs team for four years. Ashley is a Cooperation Canada Emerging Leader and participates in the broader sector policy and advocacy work around issues like localization, direction and control, and the Grants & Contributions Transformation Initiative. She lives in Aylesford, Nova Scotia, with her dog Mango.

  • Professional Practice Workshop | ACIC-CACI

    Professional Practice Workshop ACIC Professional Practice Workshop invites post-secondary students in social justice, community development, and international solidarity (or similar fields) to participate in a knowledge and skill development workshop on March, 16 2024. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program Workshop Description: ACIC Professional Practice Workshop invites post-secondary students in social justice, community development, and international solidarity (or similar fields) to participate in a knowledge and skill development workshop on March, 16 2024. The workshop will bridge the gap between knowledge and action by engaging students to foster skills, access resources, and build their knowledge around professional practice, helping to build confidence to engage on these issues with their communities. In addition, students from New Brunswick, across disciplines, will come together for a day of co-learning and networking, including training and conversations related to personal profile building for employment, unique paths to employment, skills mapping, and more. Why get involved: Engage with peers and experienced professionals working in various non-profit fields Learn about careers, locally and internationally, that contribute to better communities Combine theory and action to strengthen your understanding of praxis in relation to global solidarity ACIC Professional Practice Workshop invites post-secondary students in social justice, community development, and international solidarity (or similar fields) to participate in a knowledge and skill development workshop on March, 16 2024. The workshop will bridge the gap between knowledge and action by engaging students to foster skills, access resources, and build their knowledge around professional practice, helping to build confidence to engage on these issues with their communities. In addition, students from New Brunswick, across disciplines, will come together for a day of co-learning and networking, including training and conversations related to personal profile building for employment, unique paths to employment, skills mapping, and more. Application Process Apply by March 15, 2024. Important Dates Apply by March 15, 2024 Workshop takes place on March 16, 2024 Eligibility Criteria To apply for this program, participants will: Be between the ages of 18-29 Be living in New Brunswick Application Details Apply by: March 15, 2024 Learn More

  • Wayn Hamilton | ACIC-CACI

    From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Wayn Hamilton Board Member Connecting to Africa About Wayn Wayn was born in what he calls the Republic of Beechville; a small Black community established in the late 1700s on the outskirts of metro Halifax. He attended Dalhousie University and received a Bachelor of Arts in African Studies and a Bachelor of Education with a major in Language Arts. Wayn also has a Master’s in Planning and Development from the University of Guelph’s School of Rural Planning and Development. Wayn has worked and lived in Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone. His overseas assignments focused on organizational and strategic planning as well as program design and resource analysis. While working in West Africa he supported a variety of civil society groups involved in grass roots community development. In November 2005, Wayn was selected to develop a framework and strategic plan for the province of Nova Scotia to address longstanding issues in the Black communities. He created the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs (ANSA). He led ANSA’s ongoing work in the core business areas of government relations, negotiations, outreach, and communication. He guided the mandate and provided the leadership for community capacity development and relationship building between government and community. He was responsible for the overall planning, coordinating, managing operations and the legislative mandate of ANSA. He stayed on to work at ANSA until the fall of 2022 as the Executive Director. He plays with a percussion ensemble called Drummers From Home and is also a board member for Connecting to Africa (CTA). CTA is a non-profit, pan African group seeking to increase awareness, advocacy and action partnerships with African Nova Scotian organizations and like-minded groups in Africa. Over the years CTA has organized more than 8 Connecting to Africa Learning Projects to West Africa. His inspiration is Dr. Marie Hamilton (his Mom) and anyone with a genuine passion to make positive changes in their life…the life of their community and beyond.

  • Caroline Scott | ACIC-CACI

    From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Caroline Scott Masters Student Dalhousie University About Caroline Caroline Scott is a graduate from the University of Kings College and Dalhousie with a degree in International Development Studies and Social Anthropology. Her honours thesis research explains how the Canadian Government and mining companies coalesce to produce a strategy of extractivism abroad. This research employs extractivism as a theoretical framework to analyze how Canadian development policies privilege corporate interests and perpetuate non-reciprocal ecological and economic exchanges through mining abroad. Caroline’s thesis addresses a dearth of research directly linking Canadian policies to their real-world impacts on Indigenous communities abroad. Ultimately, this project aims to foster awareness of Canada’s role in extractive mining projects that sanction land dispossession and violence among Indigenous communities abroad. Caroline is starting her master’s degree at Dalhousie this fall where she will be building on this work to explore the vulnerabilities and human rights abuses faced by seafarers across the globe. She is passionate about connecting local to global issues and is actively engaged in mutual aid projects in her community focused on housing and seafarer’s rights in the Port of Halifax.

  • Global Citizenship Youth Conference 2025 | ACIC-CACI

    Global Citizenship Youth Conference 2025 Are you between the ages of 15 and 17 and interested in exploring global issues? Join us for the 2025 Global Citizenship Youth Conference! About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program The conference is an opportunity for youth to get informed, get inspired, and take action on local and global issues in a safe and welcoming space. Participants will meet and engage with a diverse group of youth from different communities and cultures across the four Atlantic provinces. Participants will: Connect with others who are committed to social justice and effective global citizenship Challenge systems and barriers that block change Create skills that foster personal and professional social change Identify actionable Change within their communities and circles The conference is free of charge, and food and accommodation are provided. ACIC will arrange and cover the expense of all travel for youth participants. The Global Citizenship Youth Conference invites youth (ages 15-17) to learn about, and take action on, global issues. Hosted by the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation, participants will spend three days (July 3-6, 2025) at the Tatamagouche Centre in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. Through interactive activities, discussion, games, reflection, and more, the conference will explore topics such as peace and conflict, human rights, Indigenous realities, the Sustainable Development Goals, refugee experiences, poverty and food sovereignty, gender equity, environment, anti-racism, 2SLGBTQSIA+ realities, and more. We are also recruiting for a Digital Storyteller for the Conference! Applicants must be between the ages of 15-17 Applicants must be able to demonstrate their passion and experience in working with photos or video to share stories. Successful applicants will attend the conference like other conference participants but they will be responsible for capturing their conference experience and sharing it with the public, with the support of ACIC. All photographers and videographers will be credited when ACIC uses the content (photos and videos) for any communication. ACIC staff will train, give direction, and provide support to selected applicants. Travel, accommodation, and food will be provided for all selected applicants. Successful applicants will receive a 250$ honorarium for their participation in the program. If you are interested in this role during the conference, you can apply here! Application Process Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until all positions are filled. We will inform all applicants, successful or not. Deadline: May 15, 2025 Important Dates Apply by May 15, 2025 The 2024 Global Citizenship Youth Conference takes place from July 3 - 6, 2025 Eligibility Criteria To participate in the 2025 Global Citizenship Youth Conference, you must be: Be living in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island Age 15-17 Please note that while we would love to accept all applicants, due to the high interest in the conference we will not be able to. It is best to apply as soon as possible, as space is limited!Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until all positions are filled. We will inform all applicants, successful or not. Application Details Apply by: May 15, 2025 Learn More

  • María Inés Cuj Chopén | ACIC-CACI

    From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION María Inés Cuj Chopén General Coordinator, Administrator, and Certified Permaculturist The Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute (IMAP) About María As IMAP’s Coordinator and Administrator, María Inés Cuj Chopén brings years of experience and passion to the topics of permaculture, biodiversity, food sovereignty, community education, reclaiming ancestral practices and institutional strengthening. With a degree in Public Accounting and Auditing and extensive coursework in social work, Ms. Cuj has a long track record of support for local organizations, including 12 years at IMAP and previously, 12 years as the Finance Director at the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging in San Lucas Tolimán. Through her leadership at IMAP, Ms. Cuj has helped the organization establish greater financial sustainability. She has also worked with youth and local farmers to help them reclaim ancestral knowledge of agricultural practices and the Maya cosmovision, including using the Cholq'ij count of days and the 13 nawales (energies of the day) to understand human beings and nature. She also represents IMAP in Guatemala’s National Network for the Defense of Food Sovereignty (REDSAG). Ms. Cuj is also passionate about sharing IMAP’s vital efforts to promote sustainability, biodiversity, and food sovereignty across borders and has participated in national and international knowledge exchanges and speaking tours, including a 2023 speaking tour in Maritimes Canada.

bottom of page