Nova Scotia

Cornwallis commemoration committee seeks 'equal partnership'

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs is willing to split the cost of a committee established to look into the commemoration of Edward Cornwallis, as well as Indigenous history. But first Halifax regional council will have to agree to some changes.

Assembly of N.S. Mi'kmaq Chiefs willing to split committee costs if Halifax council makes changes

The statue of Edward Cornwallis was removed Jan. 31, 2018. (Craig Paisley/CBC)

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs is willing to split the cost of a committee established to look into the commemoration of Halifax founder Edward Cornwallis, as well as Indigenous history.

But first, Halifax regional council will have to agree to some changes.  

The committee met in public for the first time Monday night. The meeting only lasted five minutes.

Members voted in favour of a motion to change the structure of the committee to provide greater independence.

'Equal partnership'

"It was established as a committee of council," said Monica MacDonald, a co-chair of the committee. "We want to make it a true and equal partnership between the Mi'kmaq community and HRM."

Chief Roderick Googoo, the other co-chair, said it was the only way to ensure a positive outcome.

"We want to do this in a very objective way," said Googoo. "To make it more valid, this committee has to be seen as arm's length from HRM."

Coun. Matt Whitman, who walked into the meeting as it was wrapping up, remains hopeful.

"If this will help the dialogue, then good," said Whitman.

Monica MacDonald and Rod Googoo head a committee studying the commemoration of Halifax founder Edward Cornwallis, as well as Indigenous history. (Pam Berman/CBC)

No further meetings will be scheduled until after council approves the changes to the committee's structure.

The statue of Edward Cornwallis was removed from a south-end park following a series of protests.

Cornwallis has been condemned for issuing a reward for Mi'kmaq scalps in 1749.

Corrections

  • A previous version of this story incorrectly named Morley Googoo as co-chair of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs. In fact, Chief Roderick Googoo is the co-chair and this story has been corrected to reflect that.
    Oct 23, 2018 9:06 AM AT

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pam Berman

Reporter

Pam Berman is CBC Nova Scotia's municipal affairs reporter. She's been a journalist for almost 35 years and has covered Halifax regional council since 1997. That includes four municipal elections, 19 budgets and countless meetings. Story ideas can be sent to [email protected]