‘Sea of orange’: Truth and Reconciliation Day marked at Halifax Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre

People in Halifax gathered to remember, learn and to take part in activities honouring survivors and children who never made it home.

A sea of orange filled with Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Halifax today as people gathered to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The event drew a large crowd with activities for all ages to honour survivors of residential schools and remember the children who never made it home.

“We have a few different departments here doing activities to commemorate, honour and remember the survivors and the history of why we do the event today,” said Killa Atencio, co-director of Everyone Every Day.

Atencio said the turnout this year was bigger than ever.

“You can see, like there’s a sea of orange behind me. It’s just a great turnout. People are really understanding what the day is about,” she said.

The event featured cultural activities, including the making of medicine pouches, small leather bags filled with sacred medicines such as sage, cedar, tobacco and sweet grass.

“They hold the sacred medicines. It’s a connection to your ancestors. It’s a connection to culture,” said Nicole Dimartino, who guided participants through the activity.

The centre also paused for a moment of silence, which brought the crowd together in quiet reflection.

For Joe Morris, the day was about honouring the children who never made it home from residential schools.

“It’s to show my support for the fallen angels that we have now, and also just put it out there that every child matters and every child deserves to have a safe home,” he said.

The Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre is also planning events for Treaty Day, including a salmon dinner on Tuesday.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page