NOVA SCOTIA NATIVE WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION

Published purpose

The Nova Scotia Native Women's Association is hosting healing gatherings for families impacted by the loss of a loved one or missing family member. The gatherings will bring together families from each of the thirteen Indigenous bands, including Halifax and Sydney regions, to share new ideas of ways of healing through the land and cultural practices. The goal is to host a healing gathering during the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter months. After year four, the coordinator will host one final gathering to highlight the stories and dialogue sessions that they agree to share. The final gathering will be aimed at identifying needs-based recommendations that are unique to each person’s experience. The families will learn how to harvest materials, identify culturally significant tree species, and participate in talking circles that promote healing. The organization recognizes that there are many Indigenous people across Nova Scotia that have gifts, wisdom, and knowledge to share that have the potential to greatly benefit and help others along their healing journey.