Legacy donation to help the Shubenacadie Canal Commission

Betty Anderson (L) and Keith Manchester (R)

The Shubenacadie Canal Commission (SCC) is pleased to recognize a legacy donation from the estate of Betty Anderson.

Betty Anderson moved from Ottawa in the 1960s and went to work at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO). Betty stayed at BIO in the position of Chief Purchasing until the 1980s when she retired.  It was during her time at BIO that she met Keith and Carol Manchester, and Mike Hughes. Both Keith and Mike are past Commissioners. Keith served as a Chair and Mike a commissioner and even after their appointments, both stayed on as active volunteers. 

Betty was given insight into the work of the commission during her friendship with the Manchester’s. Keith often spoke about the canal history and the work volunteers were doing to preserve or improve the canal.  As it happens the Manchester’s back patio overlooked a section of the Shubenacadie Canal Waterway between Lake Thomas and Lake Fletcher. Betty was very interested in the stories about the canal and in 2003, Betty joined the Manchester’s on their trip to the World Canal Conference in Dublin, Ireland.  Betty had a wonderful time and met many canal enthusiasts and joined them in touring the Irish Canals.  Over the years Betty would inquire about other conferences and what projects the SCC was working on.  A shared passion for the history of the canal and its preservation, is one of the reasons that Betty left a very generous gift to the Shubenacadie Canal Commission. 

We are grateful for this legacy donation, and it will be used for a project supporting the Bicentennial Celebration and recognition will be at that site.  Betty will also be recognized on our wall of giving at the Fairbanks Interpretive Centre.

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More about planned giving can be found here https://www.shubenacadiecanal.ca/planned-giving

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