It Is time to end intergenerational trauma
Reclaiming Our Roots
Canada's First Afrocentric Truth & Reconciliation Jubilee
It Is time to end intergenerational trauma
We are joining arms with African and Aboriginal Nova Scotians to SPEAK TRUTH about our collective experience, FORGIVE the atrocities, and RECONCILE with ourselves
- September 29- October 1, 2025
- Ontario, Toronto
Healing is the first step in building a healthy black ecosystem
Reclaiming Our Roots, held in conjunction with Canada’s National Truth and Reconciliation Day, brings together members of the Aboriginal and Afro-Descendant communities to celebrate our resilience and triumphs over oppressive colonial injuries. This event shines a light on the vibrant mosaic of Black and Indigenous consciousness and identity, with a strong Afrocentric perspective on understanding, addressing, and healing the historical, cultural, social, and economic challenges faced by these communities.
Imagine if We All Heal
Freedom
Wholeness
Restoration
Indigenous Sun Symbol
In the Inuit/northwestern native culture the sun is known to provide the Earth with healing energy and life. Also represents abundance and peace. Some old legends believe the raven stole the sun from an evil tribe and placed it in the sky. It later then set it free back to the Earth and has since given humans warmth, light and life.
Mpatapo: Adinkra Symbol
Mpatapo is a symbol of peace, specifically in the aftermath of conflict, as well as forgiveness and reconciliation. It serves as a reminder that peace can be achieved at any time, even in the face of significant adversity, and that forgiveness and understanding are essential to the achievement of long-lasting peace.
Reclaiming Our Roots, held in conjunction with Canada’s National Truth and Reconciliation Day, brings together members of the Aboriginal and Afro-Descendant communities to celebrate our resilience and triumphs over oppressive colonial injuries. This event shines a light on the vibrant mosaic of Black and Indigenous consciousness and identity, with a strong Afrocentric perspective on understanding, addressing, and healing the historical, cultural, social, and economic challenges faced by these communities.
Imagine if We All Heal
Freedom
Wholeness
Restoration
Indigenous Sun Symbol
In the Inuit/northwestern native culture the sun is known to provide the Earth with healing energy and life. Also represents abundance and peace. Some old legends believe the raven stole the sun from an evil tribe and placed it in the sky. It later then set it free back to the Earth and has since given humans warmth, light and life.
Mpatapo: Adinkra Symbol
Mpatapo is a symbol of peace, specifically in the aftermath of conflict, as well as forgiveness and reconciliation. It serves as a reminder that peace can be achieved at any time, even in the face of significant adversity, and that forgiveness and understanding are essential to the achievement of long-lasting peace.
The Trauma
We recognize the enduring trauma inflicted upon the Black community by the legacy of enslavement and systemic racism. These deep-seated wounds manifest in relational strains, emotional burdens, and spiritual scars, hindering collective well-being and our ability to progress together. Despite decades of activism, the scars of racial injustice persist, leaving a legacy of pain and division.
Our Answer
Holistic Healing and Transformation:
Break the Cycle of Trauma:
Celebrate Resilience & Unity:
Empowerment & Renewal:
Guest Speakers
Guest Speakers
Together, we break intergenerational trauma cycles, forging a path towards racial justice where every Black community member can thrive.
Unlocking Our Great Metamorphosis
Our keynote speakers, carefully chosen to represent diverse generations and experiences, embody the essence of healing aligned with the Becoming Method of Trauma Recovery.
Who We Are
Executive Team
Executive Team
Conference Schedule
Opening Ceremony
Evening: Opening Ceremony
Taste of Nova Scotia, Africa & The Caribbean
Cocktails and Networking
African & Aboriginal Drumming & Dancing
Blessings & Prayers
Circle of Elders
Welcome of State Officials & Dignitaries
Healing Declaration
Abena Addo & Dr. Joan Samuels-Dennis
Knowing Truth as we Envision & Build a Healthy Black Ecosystem
Keynote by Rustum Southwell
The Past and the Future to Come - 3 Stories from 3 Nations
The Residential School Experience | The Africville Experience | The Sierra Leone Experience
Doing It First
Keynote: Cynthia Dorrington
Talk Back Session - Communal & Individual Reflection
Closing Tribute
Tika Simone
Speaking Truth as we Heal and Evolve Humanity
Morning: Opening
Ceremonial Welcome & Blessing
Circle of Elders
Tribute - Poem
Tika Simone
Life Changing Intentions
Dr. Joan
Setting the Stage for Deep & Lasting Change
Keynote: Tychon Carter-Newman
Communal & Individual Reflection
The Human Story and Where The African Stands in History
Keynote: Robert Leigh Pruitt II
Communal & Individual Reflection
Afternoon
The Power of Our Men & Boys
Keynote: Robert Wright
Communal & Individual Reflection
The Enslavement Experience & Intergenerational Trauma
Keynote: Natacha Pennycooke
Communal Healing Circles
Led by a National Team of Healers & Therapist
Evening
Evening Artistic Performance
Tika Simone with Band
The Return & The Blessing of Our Children’s Children
Morning Reflections on the Forgiveness and its impact
Grounding & Meditation Session
Forget the Apology
Keynote: Dr. Andrew Blackwood [Coach Drew]
Reconciliation With Who?
Keynote: Robert Leigh Pruitt II
Communal & Individual Reflection
Mass Forgiveness of the Enslavement Experience
Dr. Joan
Communal & Individual Reflection
Taste of Congo
Afternoon: Taste of Congo
The Diaspora’s Return to Global Citizenship
Dr. Macaulay Kalu, Wayn Hamilton, Yuri Hutchinson, & Honourable Tony Ince
Communal and Individual reflection
Remembering our Children’s Children’s Children
Keynote: Catherine Mckail
Communal and Individual reflection
Co-Created Reconciliation Ceremony
Led by Circle of Elders & Dr. Joan
A Who Come Now?
Closing Tribute by Dd’bi.young Anitafrika
Evening: Closing Ceremony
Pricing and Packages
Nova Scotia stands as the perfect host for Canada's First Afrocentric Truth & Reconciliation Jubilee
As a historical hub deeply entwined with the African Nova Scotian experience, the province offers a profound backdrop for exploring truths and fostering reconciliation. Its legacy as a destination for Black loyalists and refugees fleeing slavery, coupled with the preservation of cultural traditions, provides a rich tapestry for amplifying the voices and experiences of Black Canadians. By involving local organizations, government, post-secondary institutions, community leaders, and residents, Nova Scotia ensures that this event becomes a platform for meaningful engagement and healing, not only within the African Nova Scotian community but also across the nation.
