Statement from Mayor Savage regarding decision by Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs

“In early October 2017, Regional Council approved the creation of a special advisory committee to provide recommendations on the commemoration of Edward Cornwallis on municipal assets and how we recognize and commemorate the Indigenous history in the Halifax Regional Municipality. This is a different process than any we’ve undertaken before. The committee was meant to create the space to have challenging conversations about our shared history and future. Reconciliation is a complex process, requiring the engagement of our community in its broadest form.

We recognize the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs has withdrawn support of the process. It is my expectation that we will be able to continue to work together. Regional Council remains committed to continued dialogue on our journey of reconciliation.

We have taken a number of actions in support of reconciliation that are detailed in a report that came to Regional Council on January 16, 2018https://www.halifax.ca/sites/default/files/documents/city-hall/regional-council/180116rc1415.pdf These actions support Regional Council’s 2015 statement of reconciliation, in which Regional Council recognized the significance of the undertaking of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and committed to take action to ensure the needs and aspirations of Indigenous people are fully acknowledged in our community.

I now look forward to the contribution of my Council colleagues in shaping how we move forward.”

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Source: Media Release