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Nova Scotians invited to plant trees in memory of a loved one lost to suicide

Oct 11, 2024

Nova Scotians from across the province are invited to plant trees in memory of loved ones lost to suicide in Potlotek First Nation on October 26. The trees will be planted in an area behind Allan J. Lafford High School now known as the Forest of Hope.

The Forest of Hope is a community-driven initiative designed to create a healthy and sustainable forest while honoring those who have been lost to suicide. It is one only three such initiatives across Canada.

Phase 1 of the Nova Scotia Forest was founded in Potlotek in 2023 by the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention [CASP], in partnership with Potlotek First Nation, Roots of Hope, Injury Free Nova Scotia, Port Hawkesbury Paper, and the Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division.

Phase 2 of the Forest, which includes an expansion of the trail, the planting of an additional 1,000 trees and the installation of a healing garden kicks off on October 26.

It will be commemorated with a Family Fun Day and a tree planting ceremony. Participants are also invited to take part in the Circle of Hope following the tree planting.

DETAILS

AGENDA

10:00 a.m. Opening Remarks

10:30 a.m. Opening Prayer & Group Smudge

11:00 a.m. Drum & Dance, Face painting, rock painting and other activities

11:30 a.m. Distribution of T-Shirts

12:00 p.m. Community Feast and Networking

1:00 p.m. Planting of Trees Begins and distribution of tobacco

3:00 p.m. Circle of Hope: Gather, Remember and Share

4:00 p.m. Closing Remarks

The event is being organized by Veronica Marshall-Bernard, Clinical Therapist with Nova Scotia Health and Mapping Minds Counseling, in partnership with Potlotek First Nation, Roots of Hope, Injury Free Nova Scotia, the Clean Foundation, Port Hawkesbury Paper, and the Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division.

Nearly 40 local groups and organizations are also expected to participate in the day, including Allan Lafford High School,  Canadian Red Cross, Tajikeimikimi’kmaw Health & Wellness, Eskasoni Crisis Center, Eskasoni Mental Health and Social Work, Kwilmu’kwmaw – Klusuaqn, Mary Lee Johson and Eric Gould, Mi’kmawey School, Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services of Nova Scotia, St. Peter’s Greenhouse, Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Association, Nova Scotia Health, Potlotek Health Center, Potlotek Kisiku Center, Trans Canada Trails, Ulnooweh, Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources, and the Union of Nova Scotia Mental Wellness Team.

MEDIA CONTACT 
Erin Christie 
Provincial Lead – Communications and Community Engagement 
Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division 
Phone: 902.293.7778 
Email: [email protected] 

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