Home, Nova Scotia Native Women's Association

Who Are We

Nova Scotia Native Women's Association

The Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association has been in existence for 50 years, founded in 1972 by Helen Martin (Membertou), Annie Johnson (Eskasoni) and Martha Julien (Millbrook)*. On May 12, 1977, it was officially incorporated as a not-for-profit association under the Societies Act of Nova Scotia.

With a main office in Millbrook and a sub office in Sydney, the NSNWA offers programs, services and advocacy supports to Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people across the province. The NSNWA is comprised of 15 local chapters across Nova Scotia; the 13 First Nations communities and two off reserve zones of Halifax and Sydney. The NSNWA is governed by a Board of Directors that consists of 15 chapters and two elders and the Executive.

*We recognize that some of the founding members may not yet be identified here, as we are continuing to gather information.

A Message from the President

I was elected as the President of Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association (NSNWA) on January 28, 2024. I am very honoured and humbled to carry on the legacy that my Grandmother, the Late Helen Martin, started over 50 years ago. I would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the other past Presidents who have given their time and commitment to NSNWA.

Despite our challenges and rigorous schedules, 2023-24 has been a successful year overall thanks to our dedicated and hard working Board members and employees. I am sure that as an association we will continue to grow and improve on the way we operate in the coming years.

Jennifer Martin, President NSNWA

Covid-19 response

On March 22, 2020, the Province of Nova Scotia declared a state of emergency to help contain the spread of COVID-19. The state of emergency has been extended until noon on May 31, 2020. Under The Health Protection Act all not-for-profit and for-profit businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia may continue to operate but must implement social distancing of two metres or six feet within these workplaces. If a not-for-profit business or organization carrying on business in Nova Scotia that cannot, due to its physical size, maintain the social distancing requirement set then they must limit the number of customers or clients on its premises to no more than 5 persons at a time.