"Holding Court" John A. Macdonald Statue
Consultation has concluded
Public feedback for this project has now closed.
The “Holding Court” John A. Macdonald statue will remain in its current location on Picton Main Street following a decision by County Council at a special meeting on Tuesday, November 17. Read more on the County of Prince Edward website.
The Sir John A. Macdonald statue "Holding Court" was returned from storage to Picton Main Street at the Picton Library in early 2020 (after its original installation in 2015). Its return was a catalyst for conversation about Sir John A. Macdonald's past, within the broader context of colonialism. From this conversationContinue reading
Public feedback for this project has now closed.
The “Holding Court” John A. Macdonald statue will remain in its current location on Picton Main Street following a decision by County Council at a special meeting on Tuesday, November 17. Read more on the County of Prince Edward website.
The Sir John A. Macdonald statue "Holding Court" was returned from storage to Picton Main Street at the Picton Library in early 2020 (after its original installation in 2015). Its return was a catalyst for conversation about Sir John A. Macdonald's past, within the broader context of colonialism. From this conversation came the Prince Edward County Public Library's Speaker Series (Dr. Niigan Sinclair, Sarah Midanik, Kateri Lucier-Laboucan and Calvin Brook) addressed the need for projects which aim to restore Indigenous presence within communities, among other things. Other speakers were scheduled into March, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused the series to be cancelled due to public health measures.
The "Holding Court" Statue Working Group" was formed under the Prince Edward Heritage Advisory Committee (PEHAC) to conduct public consultation, research and ultimately to make recommendations to PEHAC about the future of the "Holding Court" statue. Their mandate is to advise PEHAC in their recommendation to Council in regard to the current installation in Picton of the "Holding Court" Sir John A. Macdonald statue.
Their goals are as follows:
- Follow the scope of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 10 Principles of Truth and Reconciliation
- Conduct research, carry out public consultation and prepare documentation, as necessary, to assist PEHAC in their recommendation to assist Council in their decision on the future of the Holding Court" statue
- Assist staff to prepare a report to PEHAC and ultimately Council by December 1, 2020, or as soon as feasible, outlining a recommendation for the future of the "Holding Court" statue.
Through this Have Your Say public engagement page, the Working Group will share information relevant to the public discussion, including their terms of reference, the 10 Principles of Truth and Reconciliation, and other documents (located in "Resources").
The Working Group would like to hear your views on what should be done with the "Holding Court" statue.
Individuals and organizations can tell the Working Group their views:
- Directly (in person or virtually) by presenting deputations (see "Deputation Guidelines" for more information on making public deputations)
- During a Town Hall event planned for Fall 2020.
- Via email to: ecowan@pecounty.on.ca
- By fax at: 613.476.5727
- By mail to: The "Holding Court” Statue Working Group, c/o County of Prince Edward, 332 Main Street, Picton, ON, K0K 2T0.
Please note that deputations and all comments are public.
Please explore the feedback options available on this page (below) to give your feedback. Register for updates to this page to get notified when new consultation tools are added as the Working Group progresses towards their goal.
In the words of Dr. Niigan Sinclair during his address in Picton, "What do we do with this history we have inherited together?"
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What is your idea?
over 3 years agoCLOSED: This brainstormer has concluded.What do you think should be done with the Holding Court statue?
Golshan Abdmoulaieover 3 years agoRemove and tell the truth
Public statues of people who legislated and sanctioned violence on indigenous people very disrespectful.
0 comment2Eden Oterholmover 3 years agoRemove the statue & put it in a museum with an educational component that explains the policies he created and the legacy of pain he created
0 comment3Ron craigover 3 years agoKeep the statue. MacDonald should be celebrated for his accomplishments. But that doesn't mean his flaws and mistakes should be hidden.
2 comments6Alison Kover 3 years agoRelocate
While I appreciate the artist value of SJAM, and understand 5 years, and tens of thousands of dollars were raised for this piece of art, it’s still that. A piece of art. And like any piece of art work, if the work creates fear and trauma for our community members, it needs to find a new home. I used to joke that this piece of art should be relocated to the courthouse where the double hanging took place. The double hanging that SJAM authorized despite public outcry with a supportive letter from the mayor asking him to call it off. While I still think spending his life, staring at the gallows while birds poop on him is an ideal location, I still value to work of the artist. Perhaps OENO would consider hosting this in their outdoor gallery? Or maybe shire hall can host it there? Either way, if you look at this as art that is hurting members of our community vs A statue of SJAM, first PM of Canada post colonization, the decision is simple. Find a new location.
0 comment1Daniel Cassellsover 3 years agoCommission to have a 100 ft tall statue of Sir John put in its place
0 comment1
Resources, Meeting Notes & Agendas
- Agendas & Meeting Notes
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Resources & Further Reading
- Municipal World Podcast - Interview w. Ava Hill Pt. 3
- Municipal World Podcast - Interview w. Ava Hill Pt. 2
- Municipal World Podcast - Interview w. Ava Hill Pt. 1
- The Survivors Speak - Report of the TRC Canada.pdf (8.29 MB) (pdf)
- Ryerson - TRC Community Report.pdf (347 KB) (pdf)
- Framework-for-History-and-Commemoration-2019.pdf (6.55 MB) (pdf)
- Final Report - Working Grp on Principles of Commemoration and Renaming.pdf (937 KB) (pdf)
- United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People.pdf (150 KB) (pdf)
- Truth & Reconclitation Commission, 10 Principles of Reconcilliation.docx (19.9 KB) (docx)
- History of "Holding Court" statue
Deputation Guidelines
Who's Listening
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Heritage Advisory Committee Working Group
County of Prince Edward
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Phone 613-476-2148 x2503 Email ecowan@pecounty.on.ca -
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Project Timeline
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Open
"Holding Court" John A. Macdonald Statue has finished this stageThis consultation is Open for contributions.
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Under Review
"Holding Court" John A. Macdonald Statue has finished this stageContributions to this consultation are closed for evaluation and review. The Project team will report back on key outcomes.
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Final report
"Holding Court" John A. Macdonald Statue is currently at this stageThe final outcomes of the consultation are documented here. This may include a summary of all contributions collected as well as recommendations for future action.