FAQs

The Holding Court piece has become a local focus for a nationwide conversation about who we honour and how we remember. The statue represents that question and the remainder of the exhibit would represent our Community's attempt to answer it. Staff plan to work with the Artist & the Macdonald Project to share the story of Sir John A. Macdonald's time in Picton to illustrate why the bronze was created with respect for the time and energy that went into that pursuit.

The statue was removed citing public safety and this relocation to a secure indoor setting alleviates much of that concern. The move also addresses community discomfort around the statue being solely a commemorative piece and places it in a space equipped to tell a fuller story, and where conversation around Truth and Reconciliation can occur. The courthouse property is provincially owned, and therefore not a property managed by the Municipality.

Paid or by donation access to the exhibit has not yet been determined, however, the proposal indicates that any revenues associated with the exhibit would be divided equally between the three partner organizations: The County Museums; Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na; and the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.

The A Path Forward proposal includes educational programming that would be made available free of charge to schools and educators both physically and virtually. This includes local school boards and the 5700+ educators registered in the Legacy Schools program available through the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.

The A Path Forward exhibit is not designed to honour or dishonour Sir John A Macdonald. It is meant to provide a space where a fuller narrative can be told that includes underrepresented voices. It aims to address the concerns raised in the community. And, through a partnership with Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na and the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, it hopes to suggest a path forward...

The partners involved in this proposal recognize the value of the conversation that arose around the Holding Court statue, and believe in the importance of having it featured in an exhibit where open, honest, and respectful conversations and learning can take place.