Remembering Dr. John “Jake” O’Connor

SCC Volunteers John “Jake” O’Connor (L) and Bernie Hart (R). Photo credit Dartmouth North Liberal Association.

It is with sadness that we share the passing of Shubenacadie Canal Commission volunteer and past board chair, Dr. John “Jake” O’Connor.

Jake, as he was known at the SCC, and his wife Barbara lived on Lake Charles for 50 years where they enjoyed the lake and trails along the canal route. His passion for the Shubenacadie Waterway led him to become a commissioner where he made a large impact and shared his love of the area.

Jake was a dedicated volunteer and past chair of our board of Commissioners. He was recognized in 2011 with the SCC Lockkeeper award for his fundraising efforts.  We are very grateful for his generosity, time and energy which made a huge impact on the continuing success of the SCC.

We send our deepest sympathy to his family.

Obituary can be found here saltwire.pressreader.com/article/281943137138346

African Heritage Month 2023 - learning from our history

As African Heritage Month draws to a close, we are reflecting on the theme Seas of Struggle – and the role of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Atlantic Ocean was the highway for merchants travelling between Nova Scotia and the West Indies trade market. Merchants shipped resources like Atlantic cod to slave colonies in the West Indies where it was used to feed enslaved workers. In exchange for the cod, the merchants received goods produced by enslaved people and brought them back to Halifax for sale.

Enos Collins, the richest man in British North America at the time of his death, made much of his fortune as one of these merchants. He was also the biggest private investor in the Shubenacadie Canal. The canal, like many infrastructure projects and institutions of its era, was funded with money tied to the slave economy.

By learning about this dark complex and history, we can work towards a brighter future.  A future that is supportive, reduces discrimination and makes the Shubenacadie Waterway sites and interpretation fully inclusive for all.

Source: Report of Lord Dalhousie’s History on Slavery and Race.

Heritage Day 2023 Celebrating Rita Joe

Eskasoni First Nation/George Paul

The Mi'kmaw poet from Eskasoni & We'koqma'q First Nations in Unamaki, Rita Joe, is Nova Scotia's honoree for Heritage Day 2023.  Often referred to as the poet laureate of the Mi’kmaq people, Rita Joe wrote powerful poetry that spoke about Indigenous identity and the legacy of residential schools in Canada

I Lost My Talk by Rita Joe

I lost my talk

The talk you took away.

When I was a little girl

At Shubenacadie school.

You snatched it away:

I speak like you

I think like you

I create like you

The scrambled ballad, about my word.

Two ways I talk

Both ways I say,

Your way is more powerful.

So gently I offer my hand and ask,

Let me find my talk

So I can teach you about me.

Sources:

heritageday.novascotia.ca/content/2023-honouree-rita-joe

thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/rita-joe

highlighting African Nova Scotian Heritage with original artwork

photo by Ryan Williams

As part of the Transitions Initiative, that raises awareness of the Shubenacadie Waterway as a natural and cultural resource, we have funded innovative pilot projects.

One of those projects that we’re super excited about is working with artist Letitia Fraser to highlight African Nova Scotian heritage along the Shubenacadie Waterway.

Letitia is producing three original paintings that will showcase African Nova Scotian individuals, recreation, and community events related to the Shubenacadie waterway area.

Stay tuned to see the paintings!

www.letitiafraser.com