A new aboriginal education officer at the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission will strengthen relationships, raise awareness of human rights issues and better understand how the commission can support First Nations communities.

Jill Francis, a woman of Mi’kmaq descent from White Point, Queens Co., has been hired as the aboriginal education officer following a competition designated for an aboriginal person.

“I’m excited to be a part of this purposeful, proactive work,” said Ms. Francis. “Deepening relationships to better understand the issues affecting First Nations communities is the first step towards a meaningful, two-way education.”

Ms. Francis worked in health, justice and education for many levels of government, and as a community representative on the Tripartite Forum’s Health Working Committee which examined health priorities in First Nations communities in the province. She has also been a cultural interpreter at Kejimkujik National Park.

In her role at the commission, Ms. Francis will design and deliver human rights education to address issues of discrimination, tailored to suit the needs of the communities she works with.

“I’m very excited to welcome Jill to the commission,” said Tracey Williams, commission director and CEO. “The introduction of this position is essential to better understanding the complex issues affecting First Nations people in Nova Scotia – those living on reserves, and in our cities and communities.”

Creating and strengthening ties within the province’s many diverse communities is a priority for the commission as it works to promote human rights as the building blocks for healthy relationships among individuals and groups living together in Nova Scotia.

To learn more about the commission visit https://humanrights.gov.ns.ca .

Source: Release