Tribe Network Updates: February 05, 2025 🚀
She was the first Black Canadian woman to become a judge in Canada, Tribe events, Black History Month, and More
Sometimes the best way to find inspiration is to look around you.
Judge Corrine Sparks is a familiar presence at Tribe HQ, and she can usually be found working with her colleagues at the Nova Scotia Land Titles Initiative in their dedicated offices — as we share the same office space. She and her colleagues, Douglas Ruck and Darlene Lamey, are remarkable African Nova Scotians.
It’s not hard to feel inspired when the first Black female judge in Canada is working amongst you. That’s why, as we enter Black History Month, I want to take the time to share her story…
Born in 1953 in Lake Loon, a small, segregated community in Nova Scotia, Judge Sparks’ journey to becoming Canada’s first Black female judge is a testament to resilience and dedication. Raised in an underfunded schooling system, she fought through barriers, earning degrees in economics and law from MSVU and Dalhousie University. And after practicing law in Halifax for six years, she was appointed to the Nova Scotia Family Court in 1987, making history.
In my eyes, what’s most inspiring about Judge Sparks is not just her legal accomplishments, but her heart for justice. She once shared with Contemporary Black Biography that the most gratifying part of her job was being able to balance her legal knowledge with compassion for the people who came before her. Little did she know, her trailblazing path would become an inspiration for others seeking to fight for fairness and equality.
Her landmark decisions—like the 1995 acquittal of a Black youth charged with assaulting a police officer in the case R v S (RD)—were a display of her unwavering commitment to challenging biases and fighting for fairness. Despite an appeal that overturned her decision, the Supreme Court of Canada ultimately upheld her judgement, sending a powerful message about judicial impartiality.
And although she hung up her robes and retired in 2022, Judge Sparks’ legacy lives on. She now serves as a commissioner with the Provincial Land Titles Initiative (that work out of the Tribe space), where she helps resolve disputes over land ownership in historic Black Nova Scotian communities, continuing her work for justice in a different form.
What’s even more powerful is how Judge Sparks built on the legacy of Violet King Henry, Canada’s first Black female lawyer. See, Judge Sparks’ achievements are not just a result of her own hard work—they were also made possible by the groundwork laid by those who came before her.
In the same way, Shawna Paris-Hoyt, Executive Director of the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI), and Don McLean, Halifax's first Black police chief, are now standing on Judge Sparks’ shoulders, carrying forward the fight for equity, representation, and justice.
This is the backbone of the African Nova Scotian community—each success builds on the last, and each achievement fortifies the next. Together our community has created a legacy of strength and resilience that no injustice can break.
Judge Sparks, Shawna Paris-Hoyte, Don Maclean, and countless others are proof of how interconnected we are, and how our collective drive for justice will always push us forward.
I hope everyone’s having a great start to the month, and stay tuned for lots more content from Tribe 🚀
Tribe Scholars Graduate Program Launch Event
February 13th, 5PM (AST) | Tribe HQ
Join us for an inspiring evening that's bringing together graduate scholars, industry leaders, and partners like Emera and Invest Nova Scotia.
The event will feature a dynamic panel discussion where esteemed speakers will share valuable career insights, followed by a networking session designed to foster meaningful connections and collaborations.
📍 Space is limited to 40 attendees—reserve your spot ASAP!
Headshot Day for Black Founders & Professionals with Tribe Network
Various Dates | Various Cities
In honour of Black History Month, Tribe is offering free professional headshots for Black founders, professionals, and students within the Tribe Network Community across Atlantic Canada. Slots are limited, so please register early to secure your spot.
*P.S. Keep an eye out for photoshoot dates coming to New Brunswick 👀
Dare to Venture and Build the Future: Perspectives on Employability and Entrepreneurship | SERSC - Economic Development
Feb 8th, 9:30AM - 4:00 PM | CCNB - Campus de Dieppe
Join us on February 8, 2025, at the CCNB Dieppe Campus for the second edition of this Black History Month event, organized by BBI, Groupe 3737, Tribe, and the Southeast Regional Service Commission.
Featuring expert panels, keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and an exhibition space for Afro-descent entrepreneurs, the event will address challenges and solutions for integration and entrepreneurship within New Brunswick’s Black community. Don’t miss out!
Forum for Young Canadians National Summit | Rideau Hall Foundation
March 2025 | Delta Hotel, Ottawa
Attention Young Canadians: Applications for the Forum for Young Canadians National Summit 2025 are now open!
Are you ready to dive into the heart of Canadian civic engagement, meet some of the country’s top decision-makers, and make your voice heard on the issues that matter? Then the Forum for Young Canadians National Summit is your chance to shine!
Ingenious+ Youth Innovation Challenge
The Ingenious+ Youth Innovation Challenge is here to support the next generation of young innovators from across Canada aged 14-18! The theme this year is, “Innovate for Good”, and 5 young innovators will be selected to win $1000 plus mentorship from leading Canadian innovators.
Don’t miss out, this is your chance to innovate for good!
Please use this form to submit your entry.
Things to Read, Watch & Listen To
📰 Read: How new tariffs could affect Canadian businesses | Doane Grant Thornton
With the threat of looming U.S. tariffs, small businesses across Canada—especially those that export—are feeling the pressure. Confidence among entrepreneurs has dropped significantly, with many struggling to navigate uncertainty in both trade and domestic politics. This article breaks down various actions Canadian small businesses can take, as well as highlighting the challenges small businesses face and why government support is critical.
If you’re a business owner or consumer, understanding these shifts can help you prepare for what’s ahead.
🎥 Watch: Queen of Katwe (2016)
Queen of Katwe tells the powerful true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from Uganda who rises from poverty to become a chess champion. Her journey is a testament to the strength and potential of Black communities, showcasing how talent and determination can defy expectations. As we celebrate Black History Month, stories like Phiona's remind us of the importance of opportunity, access, and the ongoing fight for equality and representation in all areas of our lives.
🎧 Listen: EP 02: Am I Overreacting? | Dear Society: From A Young Black Girl
In this episode of Dear Society: From A Young Black Girl, host Kendra takes a deep dive into the topic of microaggressions, sharing personal stories and reflections on how these subtle yet harmful actions affect Black women in everyday life. She explores the emotional toll these experiences can have and calls for greater awareness and understanding. This episode is a candid and insightful look at the impact of microaggressions, offering a powerful perspective on navigating such challenges in a world that often overlooks them.
Join BEKH’s Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Map | Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
The Canadian Black entrepreneurship ecosystem map will provide nation-wide visibility of your organization and services you provide as well as the Black Entrepreneurs you serve to customers, funders/investors, procurement opportunities, and more!
African Heritage Month Gala 2025 | Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia
February 22nd 5:00 pm | Halifax Convention Centre
The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia is hosting a Gala event presented by RBC to celebrate and honour the Black Presence in Arts & Culture in Nova Scotia and Canada. It will take place on Saturday, February 22nd, at 5:00 pm at the Halifax Convention Centre. It will be an evening of great cultural entertainment, artistic engagement, and food.
Strength & Serenity: A Womens' Wellness Retreat for Mind, Body, and Soul | Mauya The Fine Arts Tribe & FemEntity
February 22, 10AM | Tribe Network
Join Mauya The Fine Arts Tribe & FemEntity for Strength & Serenity, a transformative one-day retreat for women focused on self-care, wellness, and community. Happening on Saturday, February 22nd, from 10 AM to 5 PM at Tribe Network, the retreat offers yoga, financial literacy workshops, creative plant workshops, and more. You'll leave with renewed balance, confidence, and a stronger sense of community. Early bird tickets are available until February 7th—don’t miss out!
Navigating GoC Support in the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Ecosystem | Innovation Canada
February 05, 2 - 3 PM AST | Virtual
The 2SLGBTQI+ community of entrepreneurs are some of Canada’s most innovative and creative – however, they can face a unique set of challenges and opportunities.
Join Innovation Canada for a free webinar at 1:00 pm (ET) on February 5, 2025 to learn about where to find – and navigate – government programs that are right for you and your business.
Be Part of ONSIDE’s Pop-Up Market!
February 27, 11:00 am - 3:00 p.m. | Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
ONSIDE will be hosting "Radiant Voices Resilient Ventures: Women Driving Innovation & Impact," and they are looking for diverse women business owners to apply to come showcase their businesses!
This will be a great opportunity to network with likeminded women and showcase what you can offer!
Unforgettable AI: Training Data Extraction Attacks and Leaks | Springboard Atlantic
February 13th 1:00PM | Virtual
Join Springboard Atlantic February 13th, and learn from IP expert, Robert Baker from Smart & Biggar for a deep dive on on how to avoid “training data extraction attacks,” with a discussion about the legal risks to the model owner.
Halifax Partnership & CBDC Blue Water Want to Hear from Business Owners 👇🏽
As part of their ongoing efforts to enhance the business environment and provide meaningful support, Halifax Partnership and CBDC are reaching out to the business community to better understand the current needs and challenges faced by businesses. Your input will directly influence their work to create a stronger, more resilient business community in HRM!
*They are also doing a draw for five $100 gift cards to a local business of choice for completing the survey!
Please take 5 minutes to fill in this survey.
Virtual B2B Matchmaking | Go Global
Last Thursday of every month | Virtual
Our Go Global Virtual B2B Matchmaking program connects businesses with international partners, clients, and stakeholders through an innovative, virtual platform. Held monthly on the last Thursday, these sessions provide a convenient and cost-effective way to expand your network, explore new markets, and forge partnerships without the need to travel. Join us and discover how virtual matchmaking can drive your global business growth.
Business is Jammin's Role Models on The Road Program
BIJ’s Role Models on the Road initiative is starting back up for this school year, and they are looking for people interested in being mentors.
This program promotes awareness about entrepreneurship while focusing on the importance of education amongst Junior High and High School students. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth or know anyone who is, this is the opportunity for you!
Ecosystem Events
At Tribe, we deeply value community and building relationships. This is why we aim to keep you informed about events happening within the ecosystem that could be beneficial to your personal or professional goals. These events foster relaxation, networking and relationship building and might help you find your Tribe.
Make sure to look through the carefully curated events happening within the community and register for any that catch your eye and work with your schedule. These events are mostly free to attend; however, there might be some paid events.
Jobs, Resources, Business & Funding Opportunities 🔍
RESOURCES
VOLUNTEER
General Volunteer at Akoma Holdings Incorporated Contact nmurphy@akoma.ca
Board members at Akoma Holdings Incorporated Contact nmurphy@akoma.ca
PROGRAMS
MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning Programs | various programs for youth ages 12-19
Invest NS Supplier Diversity Certification Pilot Program | Apply by March 17; 5:00pm AST
The Food and Beverage Accelerator Program | Apply by February 28, 2025
GRANTS
2025 Community Grants Program | Apply by March 31st
Amber Grants (majority women-owned businesses registered in the US or Canada)
Her Rise MicroGrant (majority women-owned businesses registered in the US)
DoorDash #BlackFoodEnergy Restaurant Grant | Apply by February 28; 11:59PM EST
SCHOLARSHIPS/ INTERNSHIPS
Promotion Requests
At Tribe, our mission is to empower members by offering access to capital, coaching, and a supportive community. We invite individuals and organizations to share opportunities or events with our members by completing this form. Providing us with all the necessary information ensures we can effectively and accurately promote your initiative.
Looking for job or funding opportunities prioritizing racialized candidates? Check out the postings recently added to our Opportunities Portal!
Connect with us on:
LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Twitter