Nova Scotia Celebrates First Heritage Day

Nova Scotians will enjoy a new statutory holiday on Feb. 16. Deputy Premier Diana Whalen and Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Tony Ince launched Nova Scotia Heritage Day at Province House, today, Feb. 6.

"A mid-winter holiday is something many Nova Scotians wanted. For nearly 10 years I have lobbied for a February holiday, and now I am pleased we're able to make it happen," said Ms. Whalen. "Nova Scotia Heritage Day will give Nova Scotians an opportunity to celebrate our collective cultural heritage and the contributions of all Nova Scotians."

Nova Scotia's P-12 students helped name the holiday and the succession of people, places and events to be honoured in the coming years.

This year the holiday celebrates African Nova Scotian Viola Desmond. She was arrested when she refused to leave the whites-only section of a New Glasgow movie theatre in 1946. An online exhibit featuring scanned records pertaining to her case will be available on the Nova Scotia archives website in February.

"Honouring Ms. Desmond's legacy during African Heritage Month is a fitting tribute," said Mr. Ince. "Her story epitomizes the strength of character we Nova Scotians are known for."

In conjunction with African Heritage Month, there are several activities being held across the province in recognition. The North End Business Association is hosting a workshop to create a commemorate piece at the North Branch Library and Music Nova Scotia is having a song-writing contest.

For the next seven years, the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage will work with communities to commemorate Nova Scotia Heritage Day and recognize its upcoming honourees.

The next seven persons, places or events to be celebrated were announced at the launch.

They are:

• 2016 Joseph Howe
• 2017 Mi'kmaq Heritage
• 2018 Mona Louise Parsons
• 2019 Maud Lewis
• 2020 Africville
• 2021 Edward Francis Arab
• 2022 Grand Pré

"Along with a 'day-off' this yearly recognition will be a designated, annual reminder of our varied and rich, diverse history and allow us to build pride in our province, its past, present and future," said Mr. Ince.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Museum of Natural History in Halifax, and the Museum of Industry in Stellarton will be open and free to the public.

Nova Scotia Heritage Day will fall on the third Monday in February each year. Provincial Government offices will be closed during regular business hours on Feb. 16.

For information on labour standards visit http://novascotia.ca/lae/employmentrights/NovaScotiaHeritageDay.asp .

For information on Viola Desmond and other upcoming honourees visit http://heritageday.novascotia.ca .

For events commemorating Viola Desmond and African Heritage month visit http://ansa.novascotia.ca/events-calendar: .