The Port of Halifax hosted a shoreside celebration to honour the 150th Anniversary of Holland America Line and 30 years of Holland America Line cruise ship calls at the Port of Halifax.
A welcome celebration yesterday featured ceremonial drumming by the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre and traditional piping courtesy of the Halifax Citadel Society. Following that, complimentary Nova Scotia blueberry tarts were offered to passengers in the pavilion by Park’s Canada mascot, Parka the beaver.
Following a blessing by Mi’kmaw Elder Charlotte Bernard, a ceremony was held in front of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 where Halifax Port Authority President and CEO Captain Allan Gray presented Captain Bart Vaartjes of the Holland America Line Zuiderdam with a commemorative plaque. Holland America Line presented the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 with a donation in recognition of their longstanding relationship.
Others in attendance included: Sam Austin, Deputy Mayor of Halifax, Marie Chapman, CEO of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, and representatives from Carnival Corporation, Tourism Nova Scotia, Parks Canada, and the Halifax Citadel Society.
(Photo from Port of Halifax)
