Councillors in Prince Edward County are going to be recognizing the municipality’s roots next year.
During their committee of the whole meeting on Thursday afternoon at Highline Hall in Wellington, council approved a motion to engage with the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte to recognize and celebrate National Indigenous Heritage Month, June 2021, and National Indigenous Heritage People’s Day, June 21, 2021.
Councillor Bill Roberts brought the motion forward citing that Prince Edward County is on traditional land that has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples from the beginning and remains home to many First Nations and Metis people.
Staff were asked to bring forward a report with recommendations on how the municipality is prepared to publicly display and install art on municipal properties, including the amplification of Indigenous exhibits within County museums.
Staff will also bring a report forward on how The Gunshot Treaty cairn and other places of Indigenous historical significance can be profiled and publicly identified. Staff will bring back their findings regarding the current land ownership of Foresters Island and if there have been discussions with the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte regarding ownership.
A report is expected by no later than late November.