An Environmental Rights Interview with Vanessa Hartley and Darlene Cooper

Jun 20

This interview is part of a series conducted by Maryjane Sexton—a law student at the Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University—who volunteered with East Coast Environmental Law during the 2024-2025 academic year and supported our environmental rights advocacy in Nova Scotia.

June 20, 2025

By Maryjane Sexton

In February, I had the opportunity to connect via Zoom with Vanessa Hartley and Darlene Cooper, two members of the Board of Directors at the newly-established Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ). From the moment I joined the call, I was welcomed into a warm and inviting atmosphere (as warm as a Zoom call can be), as Vanessa and Darlene exchanged lighthearted banter about the various projects they were juggling. Their camaraderie and deep commitment to their work were immediately evident.

When I asked Vanessa and Darlene to share their experiences in environmental advocacy, neither hesitated to acknowledge the profound and personal impact of their work on their community. They spoke with deep conviction and emotion. “I'm just – I'm getting upset. I'm getting emotional, and I'm getting chills,” Vanessa shared at one point during our conversation, underscoring the intensity and urgency of their mission.

Vanessa, an eighth-generation Black Loyalist descendant, was born and raised in the African Nova Scotian community of Shelburne. She now serves as the President of the CEJ. Darlene, a fifth-generation Black Loyalist descendant from Shelburne, holds the position of Treasurer at the CEJ. Their shared heritage and lived experiences shape their approach to environmental justice.

I was curious about how both Vanessa and Darlene define environmental justice, both on a personal level and within the scope of their work at the CEJ. Their responses reflected a deep understanding of the issue, particularly as it pertains to their home community.

Vanessa described environmental justice as an opportunity to “collectively rediscover, reimagine, and revitalize life on Earth together”—a concept that extends beyond law and policy. She elaborated: “Environmental justice to me means transforming ecosystems rooted in justice while fostering mutual respect for people and the planet. It means creating a space to dream of a better world where my friends, my family, and future generations can thrive in an inclusive, clean environment that honors, respects, and cares for our Earth.”

Similarly, Darlene framed environmental justice through the lens of her lived experience, specifically with the environmental racism she witnessed growing up in Shelburne. She recalled entering junior high at a time when Shelburne Regional High School lacked clean drinking water. As a youth, she protested this injustice by walking out of school. Reflecting on that moment, she stated: “Environmental justice is knowing now that we do have rights—the right to clean water, a healthy land, and clean air—and that we have the right to stand up and say, 'This is not right. Do not put this in our community.' Right now, I see I have a voice, and I have an opportunity to say, 'This is not right.'”

Darlene’s early activism in raising awareness about environmental racism set the stage for our discussion on the CEJ’s formation. She explained how other advocates from Shelburne, including Louise Delisle, initiated conversations about environmental racism through the South End Environmental Injustice Society (SEED). Vanessa and Darlene emphasized that community connection and awareness are crucial in the fight for environmental justice. As Darlene put it: “Once you start connecting people, they become more aware of the issue, and it starts to take centre stage.”

When I asked Vanessa about her journey into environmental advocacy, she expressed frustration over the ongoing struggles for environmental justice in Shelburne: “I'm upset, and I'm going to use this to make sure that our community gets the justice it deserves,” she stated passionately. Darlene echoed her sentiment, emphasizing that the fight for environmental justice is not just about addressing past injustices but also about protecting the present and the future. She described her activism as “filling a hole with flowers”— an effort to heal and create something beautiful in place of harm.

As a law student, I was particularly interested in how legal frameworks might support this effort. Vanessa sees law and policy as essential tools for fostering environmental justice. She referenced East Coast Environmental Law’s proposed Environmental Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, noting that its language aligns with her vision. She particularly appreciated the Bill’s emphasis on responsibility, self-determination, and restorative justice as mechanisms to hold individuals and institutions accountable. “I love the part where it talks about restorative justice as a way to address violations of environmental laws and assessments,” she explained. “It offers a different approach to tackling environmental injustice and racism.”

Darlene agreed, seeing the Bill’s focus on restorative justice as a means of correcting both historical and ongoing wrongs. She reminded us all: “We have a responsibility—the three of us and everyone else—to do the best we can while we're here. Laws should guide us toward meaningful change.”

The hour we spent together was deeply personal, heartfelt, and authentic. Moving fluidly between structured responses and candid anecdotes, Vanessa and Darlene offered profound insights into the fight for environmental justice in Nova Scotia. Our conversation ended on a note of hope and encouragement, as Vanessa and Darlene playfully teased each other about their work. Their shared passion for advocating environmental rights is clearly a powerful force bringing them together.

Before we wrapped up, Vanessa and Darlene expressed their gratitude for the work being done at East Coast Environmental Law, and I, in turn, shared my appreciation for the efforts of the CEJ. Through this conversation, it became increasingly clear that environmental justice cannot be achieved in isolation. True and lasting change requires community, collaboration, and a shared vision for a better future.