Nova Scotia Grief Alliance Events
Through virtual education, regional roundtables, and our province-wide grief symposium, the Nova Scotia Grief Alliance brings people together to share knowledge, experiences, and support.
Online educational offerings provide valuable insights on grief-related topics, while regional roundtables create space for open discussions and learning opportunities.
The Province-wide Grief Symposium gathers grief researchers, health professionals, and community organizations to explore the latest in grief care and support.
The event schedule below will be updated regularly.
NS Grief Alliance Educational Offerings
*Click on the speaker's name to read their bio.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 - Topic: Let’s Talk About Grief, Loss & Well-Being
Time: 12:00PM - 1:30PM AST (ONLINE ZOOM)
Presenter: Barbara Roberts
In this session, Barbara Roberts will discuss space for open and honest conversations about grief, loss, end-of-life experiences and wellness. Naming and recognizing the importance of care, consent, and respect as individuals navigate the health care system. This session will include opportunity to discuss centering grief and loss as well as emotional and physical wellbeing from the lens of community based grief providers and support persons.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 - Topic: Beyond the clinical model: Integrating Peer Support and Lived Experience in Grief Space
Time: 12:00PM - 1:30PM AST
Speakers/Presenters: Hilary Scott & Rune Black
In this session, Hilary Scott and Rune Black will discuss integrating the lived-experience of Grief and Loss, challenging the Medical/Academic Models as response to Grief, Benefits and Standards for Peer Supports, and how to navigate the implementation of Peer Specialists into existing programs or structures. This dialogue is for those who see the limits of the current medical systems and want to learn more about Community Mobilization and Response rooted in Lived Experience.
Eastern Region Roundtable
Friday, June 12, 2026 - Topic: Kitchen Table Conversations: Grief, Music & Community
Presentation: From Loss to Lament: The Use of Songwriting as an Expression of Grief on Cape Breton Island.
Speaker: Meaghan Jackson
Time: 10AM-3:30PM AST
Location: Shannon Studio, Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, 606 Reeves Street, Port Hawkesbury NS
RSVP/Registration deadline: May 28th
| Regional Roundtables | Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Roundtable - Creating Spaces for Suicide Loss and Grief; The Losses That Are Hard to Talk About | Thursday, April 2, 2026 | Online - Zoom | 9:00AM-3:00PM AST |
| Eastern Region Roundtable - Kitchen Table Conversations: Grief, Music & Community | Friday, June 12, 2026 | Shannon Studio, Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, 606 Reeves Street, Port Hawkesbury NS | 10AM-3:30PM AST |
| Central Region Roundtable | TBD | ||
| Western Region Roundtable | TBD | ||
| Northern Region Roundtable | TBD |
Geographic Regions
The NS Grief Alliance often refers to four regional areas to support event planning: Central, Northern, Western and Eastern. These regional areas align with Nova Scotia Health's health service planning ‘zones’ and is a guide only to assist participants in attending in-person events. Please see below.
Click to enlarge.
Central Zone
Halifax area, Eastern Shore and West Hants.
Northern Zone
Colchester-East Hants, Cumberland and Pictou areas.
Western Zone
Annapolis Valley, South Shore and South West.
Eastern Zone
Cape Breton, Guysborough and Antigonish areas.
Photos courtesy of Nova Scotia Health.