Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children Restorative Inquiry: Council of Parties Second Public Report

The Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children Restorative Inquiry was established following a 17-year journey for justice by former residents of the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children (NSHCC, or the Home). It was established under the authority of the Public Inquiries Act following a collaborative design process involving former residents, Government, and community members.

This public inquiry was the first of its kind in Canada to take a restorative approach. The Inquiry was a part of the Government of Nova Scotia’s commitment to respond to the institutional abuse and other failures of care experienced by former residents of the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children.

In establishing the Restorative Inquiry, the Government of Nova Scotia recognized that the history, experience, and legacy of the Home reflects the systemic and institutionalized racism that has shaped Nova Scotia’s history and continues to impact the lives and experiences of African Nova Scotians to this day.

This public report is issued by the Council of Parties of the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children Restorative Inquiry (RI). It is one of many public reporting opportunities that will be part of the work of the RI during its mandate. The Council of Parties is the collaborative commission that leads the Restorative Inquiry, appointed as “commissioners” under the Public Inquiries Act. The council is mandated to include representation from the groups most affected by and involved in the work of the Restorative Inquiry, including former residents, the Home for Colored Children, the African Nova Scotian community, and government.