A step towards reconciliation: Halifax launches committee to rethink Cornwallis
HALIFAX — In a move billed by one councillor as a historic step toward reconciliation with the Indigenous community, Halifax council has launched a special advisory committee on the commemoration of its controversial founder, Edward Cornwallis.
Regional council voted 15-2 on Tuesday to create the expert committee, and is expected to choose its members behind closed doors.
Coun. Shawn Cleary said the decision to rethink how the city honours Cornwallis is a step towards improving the municipality’s relationship with Mi’kmaq people.
“This is historic for us,” he told council before the vote. “I’m hopeful this is another step in rebuilding the relationship that for the last 400 years has not been a terribly good relationship.”