Reigh Allen Centre - Member Statement

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I rise today to recognize the evolution of the youth-centred work at the Reigh Allen Centre, part of HomeBridge Youth Society. HomeBridge provides housing and programming for youth between the ages of 12 and 18. The Reigh Allen Centre is an emergency crisis, receiving centre for youth at risk, located on Pleasant Street in Dartmouth and serving youth from across the province.

Yesterday the Reigh Allen Centre held a renaming ceremony under the direction of Elder Tony Thomas. The "Male Unit" and "Female Unit" were renamed "Birch" and "Cedar." The names were chosen for traditional Mi'kmaq healing properties of each tree and to reflect the non-binary identities of many of the youth.

"Healing begins when we listen to our children and their unique attempts to teach about unconditional love and acceptance," said Ernie Hilton, the executive director, in his opening remarks.

Please join me in recognizing the work of the Reigh Allen Centre and thank them for listening to the youth they serve first.

---

Published by Order of the Legislature by Hansard Reporting Services and printed by the Queen's Printer.

Available on INTERNET at http://nslegislature.ca/index.php/proceedings/hansard/