Anna Nicholas, 71
Meet Anna, 71 years young, from the First Nation community of We'koqma'q.
For many years, Anna’s greatest wish has been to meet her stepson, Mark, whom she had never had the chance to know.
Anna and her late partner, Alfred, spent over 15 years together searching for his son Mark, but despite their best efforts, they were unable to find him. Tragically, Alfred passed away from cancer in 2014 leaving their search unfinished. Heartbroken but determined, Anna continued to carry the hope of one day she would connect with Mark.
After losing her husband, Anna returned to her hometown of We'koqma'q to care for her sick mother, who sadly passed away a year later. Over the years, Anna has also endured the loss of four brothers, three sisters, and her eldest son, yet she has always remained a pillar of strength for her family and community. As a healthcare provider, she has spent much of her life offering homecare services to First Nation communities throughout Nova Scotia, even while facing her own personal hardships.
Now, at 71, Anna continues working in home care. Despite her lifelong dedication to others, she often feels alone as her children have grown and started their own families and busy lives. Being surrounded by a large family her entire life, this isolation has been difficult.
Following Alfred’s passing, Anna was moved to later discover that Mark had been on the same journey to find his father. When Mark and Anna finally connected online, Anna had to share the heartbreaking news that Alfred had passed away. Yet, their conversations sparked a new hope. Together, they still dreamed of one day meeting in person—not only to celebrate Alfred’s life but also to honor their shared heritage. For Anna, staying connected with Alfred’s son and passing down his stories is a way to keep his memory alive.
This past spring, We Are Young was honored to assist in fulfilling Anna’s wish by getting her on her very first flight ever, to finally meet her stepson, Mark! She travelled to British Columbia, where Mark, his wife Renee, and their children, Riel and Stqeeye, live. The reunion was everything Anna had hoped for. Both families came together to celebrate their heritage, share stories, and create new memories. It was a special moment for Anna to tell Mark about his father—his personality, his passions, and the life he lived. Through these stories, she helped Mark better understand the father he never got to meet. This experience gave her a sense of peace and accomplishment, fulfilling a dream that she and Alfred were unable to achieve together. It has strengthened her self-worth and reignited her sense of purpose as she continues to move forward in life.
Beautifully pictured is Anna alongside her stepson Mark. Group photo also includes Mark's wife Renee, their two children, Riel and Stqeeye, and Anna's daughter Ella in their traditional dress.
Photography - Deanna May Photography
