BY-LAWS - NDIGBO CULTURAL ASSOCIATION, NS


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By-Law Summary: NDI IGBO CULTURAL ASSOCIATION, NOVA SCOTIA

The following is a plain-language summary of the By-Laws of the Ndi Igbo Cultural Association, Nova Scotia (NICANS), originally adopted in 2014 and revised in November 2025. The motto of the Association is “Njiko bu Oganiru” — Unity is Progress.

Who We Are

NICANS is a registered non-profit, charitable organization based in Nova Scotia, Canada. It exists to serve the interests of Igbo people and to strengthen the well-being of Igbo families across Nova Scotia through cultural programming, language education, and economic empowerment, guided by the principles of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act.

Our Vision & Mission

Our vision is to build an inclusive, thriving Igbo presence in Nova Scotia. We advance an inclusive Nova Scotia and Canada through unity, mutual respect, and shared social, cultural, and economic growth among Ndi Igbo and all communities.

Our Core Values

We are guided by respect for humanity, collective participation, inclusiveness, cultural integration, love and unity, integrity, a sense of belonging, education and language promotion, transparency and accountability, and openness in collaboration.

Our Programs & Services

NICANS delivers a range of community programs and services that reflect our cultural identity and commitment to the well-being of our members and Nova Scotia at large:

  • Igbo Culture & Tradition Showcase — Annual events showcasing Ndi Igbo culture, customs, traditional food, attire, and heritage in Nova Scotia.
  • Documentary & Storytelling — Preserving and sharing Igbo heritage through documentary filmmaking, oral history, and interactive storytelling activities in Nova Scotia.
  • Health & Wellness Programs — Community wellness initiatives focused on eating healthy, staying healthy, and living healthy lifestyles.
  • AMARA Youth Leadership Program — Anti-Racism through Mentorship, Art, Resilience & Advocacy, empowering youth ages 14–24 to lead change.
  • Youth Programming — Youth Training series and Cultural Apprenticeship (Igbo Boi) programs.
  • Igbo Language Academy & Children’s Cultural Enrichment Program — Igbo language classes and a cultural enrichment program designed to engage and educate children in Igbo heritage and traditions.
  • Igbo Music Group — A traditional Igbo musical group open to men and women in the Nova Scotia community.
  • Igbo Cultural Preservation — Preserving and promoting the rich Igbo cultural heritage, traditions, language, and values within Nova Scotia.
  • Community Webinars & Guest Speaker Series — Educational webinars featuring Igbo guest speakers on topics relevant to community growth and development.
  • Sports Camp — Annual Ndi Igbo children’s soccer camp and multi-sport activities promoting teamwork and physical wellness.

Membership

Membership is open to all Ndigbo (Igbo people) aged 18 and over who are Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents. There are several types of membership:

  • Regular Members — Igbo adults aged 18+, with full voting rights.
  • Senior Members — Members aged 60+ with reduced dues.
  • Student Members — Full-time post-secondary students with reduced dues.
  • Affiliate Members — Non-Igbo individuals or organizations who support our mission (no voting rights).
  • Honorary Members — Non-Igbo individuals recognized for outstanding contributions (no voting rights).

Members in good standing pay registration fees and annual dues, attend meetings, abide by the Code of Conduct, and participate in community activities.

Membership Benefits

Being a member of NICANS means joining a vibrant, supportive community that looks out for you and your family. Active members in good standing enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:

Cultural Identity & Heritage

  • Cultural Programs & Events — Priority access to NICANS cultural events, traditional celebrations, festivals, and ceremonies that keep Igbo heritage alive in Nova Scotia.
  • Igbo Cultural Preservation — Active participation in initiatives that preserve and promote Igbo traditions, customs, and values for current and future generations.
  • Traditional Elders’ Guidance — Access to cultural wisdom, dispute resolution, and ceremonial guidance from the Traditional Elders’ Council.

Language & Education

  • Igbo Language Academy — Access to Igbo language classes designed for adults and families who want to learn, maintain, or deepen their fluency in the Igbo language.
  • Children’s Cultural & Enrichment Program — Educational programs that engage children in Igbo heritage, language, and traditions in a fun, welcoming environment.
  • Community Webinars & Learning Series — Access to educational webinars, guest speaker events, and workshops on topics relevant to community growth, professional development, and Igbo culture.

Youth & Family Programs

  • AMARA Youth Leadership Program — Your children aged 14–24 can participate in our Anti-Racism through Mentorship, Art, Resilience & Advocacy program, building leadership skills and confidence.
  • Youth Training & Cultural Apprenticeship (Igbo Boi) — Youth programming including training series and cultural apprenticeship opportunities.
  • Sports Camp — Children’s participation in the Annual Ndi Igbo Soccer Camp and multi-sport activities promoting teamwork, wellness, and community spirit.
  • Family Support — Programs and resources designed to support the whole family — from parenting in a new country to raising children with a strong cultural identity.

Settlement & Integration Support

  • New Member Settlement Support — Guidance and practical assistance to help newly arrived Igbo individuals and families settle into Nova Scotia — including tips on housing, healthcare, schools, employment, and navigating Canadian systems.
  • Community Orientation — Onboarding support that connects new members with established community members who can provide mentorship and local knowledge.
  • Referrals & Advocacy — Connections to relevant government services, settlement agencies, legal resources, and community organizations to help members access what they need.
  • Employment & Professional Networking — Access to a community network of professionals, entrepreneurs, and employers to help members find jobs, grow businesses, or advance their careers.

Community Support & Welfare

  • Bereavement (Ikwa Ozu) Support — A culturally appropriate funeral ceremony and financial assistance when a member passes away. The Association collects a levy from all members and holds the funds in a dedicated account.
  • Immediate-Family Bereavement Support — Condolence support and assistance when a member loses a parent, spouse, or child.
  • Newborn-Welcoming Support — A community gift and celebratory visit when a member welcomes a new child.
  • Welfare Assistance — Support for members and families facing hardship, illness, or emergency situations, coordinated through the Welfare Officer.
  • Sick Visitation — Community visits and support to members who are ill or hospitalized.

Community Connection & Voice

  • Voting Rights & Governance Participation — Regular members have the right to vote at meetings and participate in shaping the direction of the Association.
  • Standing to Hold Office — Eligible members can stand for election to the Executive Council or Board of Trustees and contribute to community leadership.
  • Music & Arts Community — Access to the Igbo Music Group and cultural arts activities open to men and women in the community.
  • Community Network & Social Events — Regular gatherings, social events, and networking opportunities that build lasting friendships and a true sense of belonging.
  • Documentary & Storytelling Projects — Opportunities to contribute to and be part of community storytelling, oral history preservation, and documentary filmmaking efforts.

Meetings

The Association holds regular bi-monthly meetings, an Annual General Meeting (AGM) in January each year, and extraordinary meetings when urgent matters arise. Seven days’ notice is required for any meeting. All active members have one vote each. Decisions are made by a majority vote, with certain major decisions requiring a special (75%) supermajority. Hybrid (in-person and online) attendance is permitted.

Governance Structure

The Association is governed by two bodies working together:

  • Board of Trustees — An independent oversight body of up to 7 members that ensures the Association’s long-term integrity, reviews finances, and holds the Executive Council accountable. Trustees serve three-year terms.
  • Executive Council — The operational leadership team that manages day-to-day activities and implements programs. It includes a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Director of Culture & Social Events, Organizing Secretary, Public Relations Officer, Welfare Officer, and Youth Director. Elections are held every two years in November, with new officers taking office at the January AGM.

At least one-third of Executive Council seats must be held by women, and at least one-third by members under 35 years of age, where qualified candidates are available.

Traditional Elders’ Council

A council of Traditional Elders provides cultural guidance to the Association, advising on Igbo traditions, rituals, ceremonies, and community disputes. The Elder-in-Residence program embeds an Elder in each program to ensure cultural authenticity.

Finances

The Association manages its finances with integrity and transparency, in accordance with Canadian accounting standards. All major expenditures require proper authorization. The Treasurer maintains an operating reserve equal to 50% of the previous year’s expenses. Financial records are kept in Canada and made available to auditors and regulators on request. Annual audited reports are shared with all members before the AGM.

Amendments & Dissolution

The By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds (75%) Special Resolution of the membership at a properly convened meeting, with at least 21 days’ notice. If the Association ever dissolves, all remaining assets will be transferred to one or more registered Canadian charities, as decided by Special Resolution.

Read the Full By-Laws

This summary is for general information only. The full By-Laws govern the Association. Members and the public are encouraged to read the complete document for detailed provisions.

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