An opportunity to join with the wider community of Northern Nova Scotia in commemoration of the 5th anniversary of the massacre in Portapique.
On the evening of April 18, 2025, Good Friday, the Veterans Memorial Park in Bass River will light 200 candles to commemorate the 22 lives taken in violence 5 years ago, many from the neighbouring community of Portapique. The candles scattered throughout the park’s shrubs and trees are meant to signify the souls’ spark of the divine, rising. Three days after the massacre, a White Hart or Deer was seen in Portapique. The white hart is a legendary creature, which dwells in the ‘sanctuary’. In some ancient Celt and Viking art, it represents our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. According to legend, the Hart will heal the land and defeat the darkness. Many believe the Hart was present that evening to collect souls. This year the third night will be Easter. Remembering: Jamie and Greg Blair, Lisa McCully, Corrie Ellison, Jolene Oliver, Aaron Tuck, Emily Tuck, Joy and Peter Bond, Dawn Madsen, Frank Gulenchyn, John Zahl, Joanne Thomas, Sean MacLeod, Alanna Jenkins, Tom Bagley, Lillian Campbell-Hyslop, Kristen Beaton, Heather O’Brien, Constable Heidi Stevenson, Joey Webber, and Gina Goulet. Into thy hands, we commend their spirits.