Bridgewater, N.S. to change street name, citing slaughter of Indigenous people
The town of Bridgewater in southwestern Nova Scotia has joined the growing list of communities that have dropped the name Cornwallis from its street signs, saying the name of the former colonial governor is too closely associated with the slaughter of Indigenous people.
Edward Cornwallis, who was also the founder of Halifax, earned a notorious reputation for brutality after he issued a bounty for the scalps of Mi'kmaq men, women and children in October 1749.
Bridgewater Mayor David Mitchell said Cornwallis's actions should not be celebrated.
"What we learn from history is that we should ensure we are not rejoicing in the wrong things or the wrong people," he told a virtual council meeting Monday.
"We shouldn't be revering or celebrating bad people or terrible actions .... We know of the terrible things that Cornwallis did to the Indigenous population."
Council heard that most of the street's 14 residents were opposed to the change. Some expressed a concern about erasing history, the mayor said. Others felt there was a lack of consultation, and there were complaints about the annoyance of having to change addresses.
"This is not erasing history," Mitchell said. "History can't be erased, because it's completed. You can't undo history. Removing a street sign doesn't change that any more than taking a statue down does."
The mayor said the address changes would be an inconvenience. "But that's a temporary inconvenience, versus the pain that is felt by the people who see that street every day and see the name of the person who murdered their ancestors."
Coun. Stacey Colwell said he respected the views of residents but he supported the change.
"Ultimately, this is not about a street name," Colwell said. "This is about a town's relationship with the Aboriginal community. It's about acknowledging past wrongs, and it's about moving respectfully forward with reconciliation."
Two councillors voted against the motion, saying the residents of the street had not been given the proper opportunity to voice their concerns.
"We have the pandemic and communication hasn't been the best without the opportunity to meet face-to-face." Coun. Cheryl Fougere said.
In recent years, there has been a spirited debate in Nova Scotia over Cornwallis's legacy, as activists repeatedly staged protests at the foot of a statue of the man in Halifax, which was taken down in January 2018. Last year, a committee in Halifax recommended the permanent removal of the statue and the renaming of a local street and park honouring him.
On Oct. 2, 1749, Cornwallis and his military council approved an infamous proclamation to "take or destroy the savages." The decree promised a reward of "ten Guineas for every Indian Micmac taken, or killed, to be paid upon producing such savage taken or his scalp."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.