International experts in restorative justice were getting some insight into the process underway for victims of the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children on Saturday.
Tony Smith is one of many children who was abused at the home. He says as a child, he was silenced.
"They swore if we ever spoke about that we would have a severe beating,” said Smith.
As an adult, Smith found his voice and a different way forward.
"We're actually going to make real change a dent in the history of Nova Scotia to address the issues discrimination and institutional racism," he said.
He's part of a restorative inquiry into abuse at the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children. It was put in motion after a settlement was reached for the victims in class-action lawsuits against both the orphanage and the province.
"Looking at this as an inspiration and example of what can we learn to take back to our countries its very inspiring," said Smith.
Experts from around the world have gathered in Halifax for an international conference. Fania Davis, who travelled from Oakland, now dedicates her life to restorative justice and believes there are lessons to be learned about the unique approach of victims working with government to identify the issues and solutions.
"I think they are modeling the healing we need not only in Halifax, N.S., but the healing we need in the U.S.A. the healing we need the world over."
The restorative inquiry is focused on moving forward - not blaming – and trying to learn from the past for a better future for not only the victims of the Home for Coloured Children, but also the larger systemic issues affecting African Nova Scotiansto this day.
"They have transcended such unspeakable traumas to carry forth this nation into a new future, so I profoundly admire them,” said Davis.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Marie Adsett.
