Former Nova Institution inmates make quilt for United Way of Colchester County

First Nations work woven by inmates of Nova Institution for Women

Terry Hearn, executive director of the United Way - Colchester County, displayed a star blanket weaved by prior inmates at the Nova Institute for Women at the Truro Farmers Market on Jan. 18. This quilt was made in support of the United Way's charity work in the Truro region. Star blankets like this one are presented to recipients as a sacred gift, to mark major life milestones in First Nations culture. - Fram Dinshaw

TRURO, N.S. — A sacred quilt hand-made by former inmates at the Nova Institution for Women will be raffled off to support the United Way of Colchester County’s charity work.
Inmates made the star blanket as part of a First Nations quilting session. The star symbol is sacred to Mi’kmaq people because it represents major life milestones such as births, graduations, marriages and deaths.
“It makes me feel very honoured, because in the Indigenous culture, the star is recognized as a sacred symbol,” said Terry Hearn, executive director of the United Way of Colchester County. “I feel very humbled to receive this gift.”
First Nations peoples believe star blankets can bring good dreams and prosperity. They are often displayed as altar cloths in churches, placed on top of sweat lodges and used in powwows.
The gifting of star blankets is a longstanding First Nations tradition. Receiving such a gift from prior Nova Institution inmates gave Hearn a greater appreciation for the difficulties many of them face.
“They’ve dealt with some very traumatic situations and the more we can do to help them integrate back into the community, the better,” said Hearn. “It will help them have better lives after they leave [the Nova Institution for Women].”
Money raised from the star blanket raffle and payroll deductions from Nova Institution staff will go into the United Way’s community fund.
The fund supports local organizations such as the Maggie’s Place Family Resource Centre, the Third Place Transition House and the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Truro office, among others.
The United Way’s work focuses on combatting poverty, building healthy communities and people and providing opportunities for children and youth.
“[The] Nova Institution for Women is a proud member of the Truro community and we are grateful to our staff who have supported the United Way,” said Bernard Laurie, assistant warden, management services, at the Nova Institution for Women. “The donation of the star quilt to the United Way, in support of their fundraising efforts, was to acknowledge the important work they do for the community.”
To purchase tickets on the star blanket, call the United Way at 902-895-9313, email [email protected], or visit their Truro office at 90 Esplanade, Suite 2.
The star blanket was also displayed at the Truro Farmers Market on Jan. 18.
Tickets are $2 each, or three for $5. The final draw date is Feb. 14.