A section of the Canadian AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on public display in Halifax on Monday, December 1, in honour of World AIDS Day.

The quilt is a tribute to Canadians who have died of AIDS-related causes. Section 9 will be displayed at the Halifax Central Library from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“Nova Scotia is honoured to host a section of the quilt to commemorate those whose lives were lost to AIDS,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness. “The Canadian AIDS Memorial Quilt holds great significance and helps share the story of AIDS so future generations can learn from the past and the community will not be harmed again because of fear, silence, discrimination or stigma.”

The quilt is made up of more than 600 large panels, each created in memory of someone who has died of AIDS-related causes. Eight panels form a 3.7-metre (12-foot) square, called a section. More than 80 sections form the Canadian AIDS Memorial Quilt.

When the AIDS crisis began in the early 1980s, many people who died of AIDS-related causes did not receive funerals due to social stigma and refusal by many funeral homes to handle the remains. The memorial quilt became a way for survivors to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.

Quotes:

“While observing Section 9 of the AIDS memorial quilt, I am reminded of the profound impact of this tapestry of love and remembrance. Each panel of this quilt tells a unique story of courage, resilience and the enduring spirit of those we have lost to AIDS. It is a testament to our ongoing commitment to honour their memories and advance our mission to fight HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination across Canada. Let this section inspire us to continue our work with renewed dedication and hope.”
— Breklyn Bertozzi, Executive Director, Canadian AIDS Society

Quick Facts:

the Canadian AIDS Society took over care of the quilt in 2013
Canada is one of more than 35 countries with an AIDS memorial quilt

Additional Resources:

Canadian AIDS Memorial Quilt: https://quilt.ca/

World AIDS Day: https://worldaidsday.org/