The final meeting of the Cornwallis Task Force was last evening. (Official name: Task Force on the Commemoration of Edward Cornwallis and the Recognition and Commemoration of Indigenous History.)

We held that final discussion over the phone because of the COVID 19 situation.

Our Task Force report will now be both printed and prepared in digital format and then be passed on to the Halifax Regional Municipality and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Chiefs. Soon after, it will be made public. When exactly those next steps will take place is difficult to say, because of the pandemic. The expectation is that the report should be made available to all who would like to read it sometime in April.

I think it is important to note that our Task Force completed its work under budget and many months earlier than was initially asked for by the HRM City Council.

I also want to say that my experience on the Task Force was extremely positive, from beginning to end. When I was asked to serve on the group I confess to having had some mixed feelings, given how contentious and heated the Cornwallis debate had become in newspapers and on other media.

My misgivings quickly disappeared as the Task Force sat down together and we began to discuss the subjects before us. We all made sure that we didn’t make angry speeches but rather listened quietly and respectfully to each other’s point of view. Listening attentively is not always something the various media in today’s world encourages, but I recommend it highly.

As a researcher and writer, I spend a great deal of time working by myself. Being part of the Task Force, with thoughtful members from across Nova Scotia, was a wonderful experience.

I will post something when the Task Force report is made available.