At Halifax Stanfield, we believe in celebrating community, culture, and connection. Our cultural events include local artists and performers, where you can immerse yourself in the captivating melodies of traditional Mi’kmaq, Acadian and African Nova Scotian music, experiencing a taste of Nova Scotia’s rich heritage.
Come experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of Halifax Stanfield—where every journey begins with a warm East Coast welcome!
Cultural Events
Our events take place in our Centre Court for everyone to enjoy.
Truth and Reconciliation – September 30 (1 PM – 2 PM)
Fancy Shawl Dance – Ainslee Pictou
Ainslee Pictou is an 18 year old from Paqtnkek, First Nation and performs the fancy shawl dance. This dance represents the opening of a cocoon when the butterfly emerges. The shawl is usually the most extravagant piece. The fringed shawls are colorful and flashy, often featuring embroidery or ribbon work. The fringes on the shawl have a movement that coincides with the dancer.
Pictou participated at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games representing team NS on the U16 girls basketball team. She has also danced for dignitaries that attended the Atlantic Economic Forum at St. FX University. She was also featured on the final episode of the 2023 Amazing Race Canada teaching the teams indigenous dances.
Mi’kmaw History Month
October 9 (12 PM – 1 PM)
Performance – Morgan Toney
Mi’kmaq fiddler and singer Morgan Toney brings together the fiery fiddling of Cape Breton Island with old songs of the Mi’kmaq with brilliance and heart. First Flight, Toney’s award nominated debut album, celebrates language and heritage in Toney’s transformation of traditional songs like the Ko’jua and the Mi’kmaq Honour Song alongside highly original songcraft.
October 9 & October 17 (1:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
Bead work Demonstration – Charlotte Bernard
Charlotte Bernard is an elder from Sipekne’katik, First Nation. Elder Bernard will be demonstrating her fringed earrings and loom items such as necklaces and bracelets for everyone to enjoy.
Through Elder Bernard’s journey of connecting deeper to her Mi’kmaq heritage, she creates expressive and personal works combining her background and passion for beading.
October 17 (12 PM- 1 PM)
Performance – Emma Stevens
Singer-songwriter Emma Stevens, from Eskasoni First Nation in Nova Scotia, is an artist whose music and activism are intertwined with her Mi’kmaq heritage. Rooted deeply in her native language and cultural traditions, Emma’s work celebrates the strength and resilience of her people by merging traditional Mi’kmaq themes with contemporary musical influences.
In 2019, she recorded The Beatles’ poignant song, Blackbird, in Mi’kmaq.