The public has the opportunity to offer feedback on the proposed plan to include the “Holding Court” sculpture of Sir John A. Macdonald as part of a permanent exhibit at Macaulay Church.
The exhibit would explain why and how the sculpture was commissioned and explore the local community’s reckoning with the national tragedy of the Indian Residential School system. Through art and storytelling, the exhibit would encourage visitors to reflect about the process of advancing truth and reconciliation.
The proposed plan is informed by the deputations made at the special Council meetings in November 2020 and June 2021. The County is developing the exhibit in partnership with the Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na (TTO) Language and Cultural Centre and the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. Further information about these organizations and their involvement in the exhibit is shared on the County’s Have Your Say consultation website. The Have Your Say page includes a forum for feedback on the proposed plan. Comments are welcome until Monday, March 14.
In addition to seeking public feedback, staff are meeting with members of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, members of the Macdonald Project, members of the “Holding Court” Working Group, and sculpture artist Ruth Abernathy.
Following these conversations, staff will present the plan for the proposed exhibit at a special Committee of the Whole meeting on March 29, 2022. More details about the meeting will be provided in early March. To make a deputation at this meeting, email clerks@pecounty.on.ca by noon on Monday, March 21.
Feedback or questions can also be sent to Chris Palmer, Supervisor of Museums and Cultural Services, by email at cpalmer@pecounty.on.ca or by calling 613.476.2148 extension 2521.