FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE
July 26, 2018
Thursday, July 26, 2018 (Halifax, NS) – The Halifax Regional Municipality is pleased to announce the members of the newly formed Special Advisory Committee on the Commemoration of Edward Cornwallis and Commemoration of Indigenous History.
Halifax Regional Council initiated the creation of this committee in the context of a 2015 statement of reconciliation, in which it committed to learning from the lessons of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and to a new equal partnership with Indigenous people in Canada, based on truth, dignity, and mutual respect.
The advisory committee’s focus over the coming months will be to identify a path forward that better recognizes Indigenous history, particularly of the Mi’kmaq, as it pertains to lands now known as Halifax Regional Municipality.
Part of that path forward involves providing Regional Council with recommendations on our shared history, including how we commemorate Edward Cornwallis on municipal assets, including Cornwallis Park, the statue, and Cornwallis Street.
The advisory committee will be co-chaired by We’koqma’q Chief Roderick Googoo, and Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 manager of research Dr. Monica MacDonald.
Chief Googoo is proud to be part of such an historical and monumental process.
“The Mi’kmaq have been here since time immemorial and it is important that our history is also recognized and told. This process will start the dialogue on how we tell our stories, together,” said Chief Googoo.
Dr. MacDonald says she is looking forward to working with Chief Googoo and her fellow committee members. “This is a groundbreaking committee and collaboration. I believe we will lead the way for other jurisdictions in Canada.”
Deputy Mayor Waye Mason says while it took some time to get this committee up and running, he’s optimistic remarkable things are on the horizon.
“It’s important to move forward on the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and when I look at the make up of this committee, I am truly excited by the diverse backgrounds, knowledge, and thoughtful collaborators around the table.
“The work they have ahead of them will be difficult, but I have no doubt they are up for the challenge,” Mason said.
Municipal staff proposed candidates with experience in areas including leadership, facilitation, experience with – and in – community, history, and commemoration.
The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs also put forward candidates to participate on the advisory committee. The assembly was asked to identify individuals with expertise in chairing and facilitation, history – especially Mi’kmaw history – commemoration, and community experience.
The names of proposed advisory committee members were then presented on July 17 to Regional Council, which ratified the appointment of the 10 committee members.
The committee members are:
- Chief Roderick Googoo – Chief of the We’koqma’q Mi’kmaw Community (Co-chair)
- Daniel Paul – Social justice advocate, author, journalist, consultant, and volunteer
- Bernie Francis – Mi’kmaw linguist and consultant. Developed a new orthography of the Mi’kmaw language with Professor Doug Smith
- Pam Glode-Desrochers – Executive director of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre
- Jaime Battiste – Mi’kmaw writer, researcher, advocate and activist from Potlotek Mi’kmaw Community
- Sheila Fougere – Former Halifax city councillor, community volunteer, and management professional
- John Reid – Professor of history with research and teaching interest in 17th and 18th century northeastern North America and the history of Atlantic Canada
- AJB (John) Johnston – Historian, novelist, and museum writer. Former Parks Canada historian
- Paul Friesen – Anglican priest, rector Saint Paul’s Church in Halifax
- Monica MacDonald – Specialist in public history. Currently manager of research, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (Co-chair)
Committee orientation will take place over the coming weeks, with meetings anticipated to start in the fall.