Shawna Paris-Hoyte announced as Executive Director of the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute

Halifax, NS, March 18, 2024 – The African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI) proudly announces the appointment of Shawna Paris-Hoyte, ONS, KC, MSW, RSW, as its new Executive Director. A fifth-generation African Nova Scotian, Shawna brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role, with a career marked by tireless advocacy for equity and human rights, particularly for women, children, youth, and families.  

With a diverse background spanning law, social work, mediation, education, and business ownership, Shawna has been deeply involved in legal cases and community initiatives in Nova Scotia and across Canada. Her notable achievements include successfully arguing precedent-setting cases at the Supreme Court of Canada, advocating for marginalized communities, and providing pro bono legal services, particularly focusing on human rights cases within the African Nova Scotian community. Shawna was originally selected as Executive Director in 2021; however, her appointment was postponed due to her role as legal counsel for a participant organization in the Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Commission Public Inquiry. The interim role of Acting Director was held by Robert Wright, notable social worker and justice policy advocate, from 2021-2024.   

“Taking on the role of Executive Director at the ANSJI is an honour and I am committed to leading the organization with passion, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by the African Nova Scotian community in the justice system,” said Paris-Hoyte. “As an organization, we will champion justice, equity and empowerment and build a brighter future for African Nova Scotians that will positively impact all Nova Scotians as we work together to create a more inclusive and equitable society.”  

As an educator, Shawna has devoted three decades to teaching at Dalhousie University, where she has made significant contributions to both the Faculty of Law –Dalhousie Legal Aid and the Faculty of Health Professions-Dalhousie School of Social Work. Her commitment to excellence has earned her numerous awards and honours, including the Order of Nova Scotia, Distinguished Service Awards in both law and social work, the designation of Queens Counsel (now King’s Counsel) and the Queen Elizabeth II 70th Anniversary Platinum Jubilee medal for volunteerism and public service.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Shawna Paris-Hoyte as Executive Director of the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute,” said Vanessa Fells, member of the board of directors for ANSJI. “We know that with her knowledge, experience and dedication to advancing social and justice issues in our community, she will lead the ANSJI into the future.”  

“It is a privilege to have been the inaugural Acting Director of the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute during its critical first years, said Robert Wright, outgoing Acting Director. “I am proud of the work we have done and inspired by the vision that drives the work. I have known Shawna Paris-Hoyte as a close colleague, collaborator and friend for more than 20 years. A protege of the late Dr. Burnley ‘Rocky’ Jones, her record of providing leadership in Black communities of Nova Scotia is formidable. She has distinguished herself professionally in business, law, and social work.  I cannot imagine a more appropriate person to lead the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute as it continues to develop and expand its reach and influence on behalf of African Nova Scotians and people of African descent both here at home and across the country.”  

Under Shawna's leadership, ANSJI will continue its mission to ensure fair, legal, and constitutional treatment for all African Nova Scotians. Through strong partnerships and collaboration within the justice sector, the institute will work to address the systemic issues that negatively and disproportionately impact the people of African descent and the African Nova Scotian population.