NCCDH is hosted by St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) in Antigonish, Nova Scotia (Mi’kma’ki).

StFX has a rich history in social justice, beginning in the 1920s with the Antigonish Movement. The Movement began, led by Father Jimmy Thompkins and Dr. Moses Coady, as a local community-based movement in response to poverty affecting disadvantaged groups in Eastern Canada. StFX quickly created an Extension Department to teach and use these community actions and adult education methods. After World War II, the Coady International Institute was founded to continue this work with an international audience. The Coady Institute is well respected worldwide as a centre for leadership education about community-based development. Situating the NCCDH here furthers StFX’s deep commitment to applying knowledge to social change.

We would like to acknowledge this sacred land on which NCCDH operates. We acknowledge that we are located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties do not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognize Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) title and establish the rules for what is to be an ongoing relationship between nations. ​​​We acknowledge this land in thanks to the Mi’kmaq people who have held relationship with this land for generations and to recognize the historical and ongoing reality of colonialism.

Out of respect for the important work of reconciliation, we encourage you to contact us at nccdh@stfx.ca if you can suggest a way improve upon our statement above.