Heritage Day

Heritage Day (NS) History

Heritage Day in Nova Scotia honours and celebrates the province’s rich historical and cultural diversity. The designated holiday highlights significant events, individuals, groups and institutions that have left a profound mark on the province's development and identity. Each year, a different aspect of Nova Scotia's cultural heritage is highlighted, reflecting stories and traditions from communities across the province.

The origin of Heritage Day in Nova Scotia can be traced back to 2015, when the provincial government introduced this statutory holiday as part of the revisions to the Retail Business Designated Closing Day Act. The holiday was an initiative aimed at educating Nova Scotians and Canadians at large about the unique heritage of the province. It provides an opportunity for Canadians to understand and appreciate the remarkable contributions of their ancestors and the impact of historical events on present-day Nova Scotia.

Generally, Nova Scotians observe Heritage Day by participating in various cultural, educational, and recreational activities held across the province. Many public establishments, such as museums and libraries, organize special events and exhibits that provide deeper insights into the province's storied past. Although the holiday is mainly observed in Nova Scotia, these activities also draw attention from the broader Canadian community, engaging all in the spirit of unity and appreciation for shared heritage. Heritage Day in Nova Scotia takes place on the third Monday in February, contributing to the nationwide celebration of Canada's rich heritage during the month.

Top facts about Heritage Day

• Each year, Heritage Day in Nova Scotia honours a person, a place, or an event for their significant cultural or historical contributions to Nova Scotia. In 2023, Rita Joe was chosen as the Honouree for Heritage Day. Rita Joe was a member of the We’koqma’q Mi’kmaq Community and a published author. She paved the way for other Mi’kmaq authors to have a platform where they could create and share unique stories. Her greatest wish was for other Mi’kmaw authors to continue writing poems and stories that represent her people aimed towards children to read.
• In 2013, entries were submitted by local students for significant people, places, and things from Nova Scotia. Three panelists then had the opportunity to review the submissions and determine who or what best represented Nova Scotia. Entries would be commemorated on Heritage Day. 12 submissions were chosen by panelists Sister Dorothy Moore, Stephen Gough, and Lucille Comeau-Livingstone.
• Viola Desmond was the first person to be commemorated during Heritage Day in 2015. Desmond was recognized for her courageous stand against institutional racism and her part in the civil rights movement of Nova Scotia.
• Nova Scotia was one of the four original provinces that formed the Confederation of Canada in 1867.
• The province was greatly influenced by immigrant cultures, especially Scottish. This is evident in its name, which means New Scotland in Latin.

In the News and Trending for Heritage Day

Top things to do for Heritage Day

• View the past and future honourees of Heritage Day. Each honouree represents Nova Scotia and its history and culture.
• Learn more about 2023' honouree, the community of Africville.
• Take advantage of the extended weekend by planning a family vacation.
• Read A Short History of Halifax by Dan Conlin, a highly informative and succinct book about Halifax, one of Nova Scotia's largest cities.