Community Healing Community: Remembering Miya

Last June, Between the Bridges, our initiative in Dartmouth North, opened a dialogue with youth in the neighborhood. We asked what mattered to them, what changes they would like to see in their community, and what their priorities were.

We heard the story of Miya’s untimely death. At the age of 15, Miya experienced mental health challenges and was not able to access appropriate resources to help. Where this story might pass in the news as another Black youth lost, these youth knew there was a deeper story and a real person whose life deserved to be celebrated.

Facilitated by Kayley Dixon, who also hails from Dartmouth North, the youth organized and coordinated a project to honour and remember Miya. The result will be a mural painted by artist Mike Burt based on concepts developed by the youth.

Inspiring Communities is proud to have supported this process, taking the lead from these young community leaders. We want to thank our partners at BGC Greater Halifax who have donated the space for the installation of this mural.

The ‘Remembering Miya’ mural project isn’t just about art. It’s a powerful symbol of how strong our community is and a heartfelt tribute to a young life lost too soon. The mural expresses the community’s grief over the loss of a classmate while also highlighting the critical issue of mental health among African Nova Scotian Youth.

This Saturday, June 10, the youth will host an event revealing the mural. Miya’s family will be present at the event, which will be held at the BGC on Farrell Street from 2-4 pm.

We welcome community members to come and come and honour Miya’s legacy, and meet the future leaders who are ensuring she will not be forgotten.