Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society offices will be closed on Monday, September 30, 2024 in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Province of Nova Scotia annually recognizes Truth and Reconciliation Day in alignment with the federal government.
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
We encourage all staff, members, and Nova Scotians to reflect, learn and consider what we can do to advance reconciliation in our province and live in peace and friendship.
This federal statutory holiday was created through legislative amendments made by Parliament. More information: Government of Canada
Orange Shirt Day
September 30, 2024 is also Orange Shirt Day — to build awareness of the individual, family and community intergenerational impacts of Residential Schools; and to commemorate the residential school experience, witnessing and honouring the healing journey of the Survivors and their families.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Resources
- Truth and Reconciliation related practice resources collected by the Society
- Residential School History
- Survivors’ Stories
- Reading List by First Peoples Law
- Indigenous Canada free online course offered by the University of Alberta
- Resource list gathered by the Society’s Truth and Reconciliation Working Group (TRCWG) to connect Indigenous members, especially residential school survivors, their families and communities, with existing supports.
The TRCWG does not specifically endorse any of these resources and recognizes that they may not provide the support that is needed. It is offered as a round-up of a comprehensive list of options.
#NDTR #EveryChildMatters
Mi’kmaw History Month
October 1, 2024 marks the beginning of Nova Scotia’s 31st Mi’kmaw History Month. In 1993, Nova Scotia Premier John Savage and Mi’kmaw Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy declared October as the official month to recognize and celebrate Mi’kmaw culture and heritage.
The goal of the month is to help Nova Scotians build awareness of Mi’kmaq history and heritage, and to increase understanding of the province’s rich Mi’kmaq culture.
Several events are planned throughout the month, including the 5th Annual Mi’kmaq History Month Educators Conference (Oct. 2-3), Mi’kmaq artist Alan Syliboy’s Thundermaker exhibition (touring Oct. 7-24), and the Dalhousie Native Student Association Mawiomi on October 16.
More details at MikmaqHistoryMonth.ca