Day of Reflection Celebrated

North Americans were still dealing with the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States when officials at the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission decided to hold the province's first Day of Reflection two years ago.

"As a province, as a people, we needed a time to regroup, to think quietly about the values of inclusion, of harmony and of a sense of community," said Mayann Francis, the chief executive officer of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

Two years later, the province has proclaimed today, Nov. 5, its third annual Day of Reflection. The Human Rights Commission is encouraging Nova Scotians to continue the process begun in the wake of Sept. 11 by considering this year's theme: reflecting, healing and community.

Lieutenant-Governor Myra Freeman pointed to the importance of that theme while opening the day's celebrations at an interfaith breakfast at Province House. "This year's theme encourages each of us to think about the ways in which we can strengthen our families, schools, workplaces and places of worship by practising values that promote healthy and supportive communities," she said.

Michael Baker, Minister responsible for the Human Rights Act, said the event contributes to the commission's mission to promote harmony and inclusion. "This will ensure that Nova Scotia welcomes both the diversity already present in our communities and new people who choose to make our province their home," he said.

Members of various faith communities spoke briefly at the breakfast about what reflecting, healing and community mean -- and what they could mean. The inspiration continued with a performance by Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Terry Kelly.

Human Rights Commission officials said the event should encourage people to become agents of change.

"I encourage you to share what you have experienced here this morning with each individual you meet outside of this room," Commission chair James Dewar told the assembled faith leaders.

"Leave here this morning," said Ms. Francis, "with the goal of making a positive difference in someone's life and in our country, Canada, and our province by the sea, Nova Scotia," she said.

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission's mandate includes public education and outreach to increase awareness of human rights in the province. This was the fourth interfaith breakfast that Ms. Francis has held since becoming CEO in 1999.