Launching Every One Every Day - Press Release
For Immediate Release May 26, 2022
Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre launches Inclusive Reconciliation focused Initiative
Every One Every Day introduces new neighbourhood participation system
(Kjipuktuk – Halifax, NS) -- Over the next three years the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre in partnership with the Participatory City Foundation and Participatory Canada is introducing and leading Every One Every Day (EOED) Kjipuktuk/Halifax. The work of Participatory City globally demonstrates how participation in practical, everyday activity can transform people’s lives and the neighbourhoods in which they live.
“Our introduction to this culturally focused concept came through Develop Nova Scotia and the McConnell Foundation,” said Pam Glode Desrochers. “Every One Every Day is being developed in the traditional Mi’kmaq ways of teaching, learning and relationship building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.” EOED centers on the unique and transformative opportunities for Reconciliation, where there is an open door for cultural learnings and exchanges across neighbourhoods and communities. In Kjipuktuk/Halifax, this means sharing and learning while also honoring the responsibility of living as Treaty People in Canada and acknowledging the urgent need to advance action around Truth and Reconciliation.
“This is unique because it is reconciliation focused and inclusive to all, by inviting the participation of everyone and establishing new ways of living and learning together, where culture can be shared and celebrated through every day, practical participation,” said program co-director, Aimee Gasparetto.
“We know that people struggle to find venues where true firsthand Indigenous awareness and interaction can happen on a given day specifically with the broad spectrum of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people who live in Kjipuktuk,” said program co-director, Wyatt White.
To begin this essential work, the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre has confirmed support for $4.1 Million, with funding coming from:
McConnell Foundation - $1,500,000
Invest Nova Scotia - $1,190,000
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) - $910,000
Nova Scotia COVID-19 Response Council - $300,000
Emera – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Fund - $200,000
“We are thrilled to support Every One Every Day, as this program is creating dynamic spaces where local residents can truly learn from one another and build relationships, particularly between Indigenous Peoples and other Nova Scotians. With inclusivity and reconciliation at the forefront, this program will help connect communities, amplify voices and bring vibrance to our neighbourhoods.” -The Honourable Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Economic Development, Province of Nova Scotia
“With the Every One Every Day initiative, Indigenous People in Kjipuktuk-Halifax will build on existing and emerging partnerships to help grow the local economy in a way that respects Indigenous identity, culture and language. This Reconciliation-based approach is also a chance for Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants to learn from each other, increase understanding, and build lasting connections in support of a better future for all." - Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
“This is about creating places where community can come together, share ideas and participate in solving neighbourhood challenges at the neighbourhood level, building community alongside tangible products and solutions,” said Jennifer Angel, President & CEO, Develop Nova Scotia. “As a long-standing champion of the Participatory City model, we’re energized to support this work in K’jipuktuk/Halifax centred in reconciliation, in partnership with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre and other community leaders.”
“As a company headquartered here in Kjipuktuk/Halifax, Emera is honoured to join the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre and its partners in the journey toward Truth and Reconciliation. We believe Every One Every Day offers a vision for Halifax and beyond, where the public and private sector can work together to develop and grow transformative social infrastructure for a new era. The shopfronts will foster community innovation that centers principles of equity and inclusion for all Nova Scotians to thrive in a more diverse and resilient society.” - Scott Balfour, President and CEO, Emera Inc.
EOED is launching on June 10th & 11th with a series of events and activities that will be available to the public including:
June 10th 2022, 10:00am-11:30am - Tune in to Facebook Live to learn more about the vision and view a conversation with partners and key supporters: www.facebook.com/everyoneeverydayhalifax/
Speakers and Panelists include:
Honorable Susan Corkum-Greek - Minister of Economic Development
Mayor Mike Savage - Halifax Regional Municipality
Jennifer Angel – Develop Nova Scotia
Jayne Engle – Participatory Canada
Waye Mason – Halifax Regional Municipality
Wyatt White – Every One Every Day Kjipuktuk/Halifax
Cedele Ross – North End Community Member and Parent
Pam Glode Desrochers - Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre
June 11th 2022, 1:00pm-4:00pm: Join in for The Festival of Everyone happening on Gottingen St. between Cornwallis and Cunard. (temporary event street closure). The Every One Every Day Neighbourhood Shop will open its doors at 2169 Gottingen Street – a space for neighbours to meet, share, learn, and co-create collections of neighbourhood projects.
June 11th-July 9th 2022: The Every One Every Day Spring Program marks the beginning of it all! The Spring Program will be full of amazing projects that are all about doing practical, creative things with people nearby, and finding more ways for people to connect and learn across the neighbourhood. Every One Every Day projects are free to attend and open to everyone. Find the Spring Newspaper and learn more about Every One Every Day here.
