HEALING AND RECONCILIATION FOR COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES
Preserving the Truth
The Shubenacadie Indian Residential School in Nova Scotia may no longer physically exist, but the spiritual imprints, echoes and voices of Indigenous children who passed through its doors remain.
Today, the grounds serve as a testament to the experiences of those who attended and a reminder of the legacy it has made across Mi’kma’ki.
While some may believe in letting the schools’ bones fade into dust, the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre has heard the cries to acknowledge the site and honour the lives and legacies of Indigenous children. After years of engagement with survivors and descendants, a permanent commemorative sculpture was installed at the site to reclaim the land and preserve its history, serving as an important part of the healing journey for surrounding Indigenous communities. This came in response to the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 79, stating there should be a commemorative strategy for conserving the history and legacy of residential schools.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) has supported this important initiative by providing funding for the design and installation of the commemorative sculpture. The IRF further contributed to the preparation of the site and hosting of the 2025 gathering that brought together survivors, descendants and communities from the surrounding region. This project will raise awareness, educate and create a space for conversation about healing and reconciliation for generations to come.
Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
