P.E.I. Mi'kmaq elder applauds Montreal decision to remove Amherst name from street sign

Keptin John JoeSark, of theMi'kmaqGrand Council, is pleased withMontreal's decision to remove Jeffrey Amherst's name from a city street.

The 18th-century British General advocated for the eradication of Indigenous peoples.

• Montreal adds Iroquois symbol to flag, strips British general of street name
• 'Extirpate this execrable race': The dark history of Jeffery Amherst

"I'm really happy," Sarksaid.

"I'm glad that some of the French people and I hope the Acadians here will follow suit in having the name from Fort Amherst removed."

Sarkhas lobbied Parks Canada to remove Amherst's name from theP.E.I. national historic site Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst. But the department has turned down the request, suggesting instead that a Mi'kmaqname be added to the site.

That's something Sarkdoesn't support.

Sarksays despite being told no, he thinks efforts to have the Amherst name dropped on P.E.I. have been worthwhile.

"I think we've done a good job and I think we've educated the public ofP.E.I.," he said.

"We've also educated a lot of people across Canada and I think it's a good debate."

Sark added that hebelieves Parks Canada will relent. "I think in the end they're going to fail. So they might as well change the name."

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