Nova Scotians are coming together this weekend to remember those who were killed in last week’s mass shooting. Although there are orders to keep physically distant because of COVID-19, many are finding ways to pay their respects to the victims.
A week after one of Canada’s deadliest mass killings, Nova Scotians are continuing to find ways to grieve and support one another.
Last weekend, RCMP say a gunman began a rampage in the small community of Portapique, N.S., killing 22 people.
But coming together to grieve has been particularly challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic, where people are required to keep their distance and stay in their homes.
“By our nature as human beings, ritual is coded into our DNA,” said Father Bill Burke of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish in Sydney, N.S.
‘We’re finding ways not to be isolated’
He said many people look to gathering together as a way to find meaning in these kinds of tragedies. Being unable to do that complicates things, he said.
Some families are holding online funerals, while several churches have also held special online services to remember the victims. The funeral for Lisa McCully, a teacher, was livestreamed on Sunday afternoon.
But Burke said he’s hopeful that Nova Scotians are able to lean on each other through social media, citing Friday night’s vigil as an example.
“[It] was so profoundly comforting and, at the same time, heartbreaking,” he said.
He hopes people won’t get stuck on what they can’t do right now, such as getting together with neighbours and loved ones.
“I think this is going to last for a while, so we have to do the hard work and the creative work of, ‘What can we do,'” he said. “We’re distant from each other, but we’re finding ways not to be isolated from each other.”
Making sure resources are there in the long run
Serena Lewis, a bereavement, grief and wellness co-ordinator with the Nova Scotia Health Authority, said it’s important to make sure there are resources available to help the community in the long run, not just for a few days.
She said a big part of her work so far has been helping community members who need to grieve. Memorial sites have been established in many communities.
People are abl