'That hurt has been extended': Indigenous leaders in Manitoba share displeasure of Queen Elizabeth II statue being back up
Two years after two statues were knocked down and damaged at the Manitoba Legislature, one is now back up and Indigenous leaders are upset by the decision.
Last week, the province put up the Queen Elizabeth II statue back in its original place and leaders say there was no warning and it is bad timing.
"It will have negative reactions from our people no doubt," said Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Grand Chief Garrison Settee.
In a statement, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick said the province did not consult on this decision, calling the move disappointing and upsetting.
"The replacement of the Queen Elizabeth II statue, without warning, perpetuates the painful legacy of Canadian colonialism," the statement said. "By re-erecting the statue commemorating Queen Elizabeth II, that hurt has been extended."
Settee agrees with Merrick's comments.
"Our people are recovering from the discovery of unmarked graves. It's a bad time to reintroduce the monarchy's legacy," said Settee.
Settee would like the space to be used for a new statue of an Indigenous leader like Elijah Harper, who was an MLA from 1981 to 1992 and an MP from 1993 to 1997.
The province is planning a statue of Chief Peguis for the legislature grounds in 2024. Government Services Minister James Teitsma also noted First Nations leaders were told about the Queen Elizabeth statue last year.
"The province engaged with AMC leadership and First Nations groups and advised that the Queen Elizabeth II statue would be returned to its location, and no concerns were conveyed at the time," Teitsma said in a statement.
Since being put back up, the statue has already been vandalized. The words "colonizer" and "killer” were spray painted on the statue.
Governor General Mary Simon addressed the concerns on Wednesday, saying, "There is frustrations, there's anger and from time to time, they will express that anger and the frustrations."
The Winnipeg Police Service said it is investigating the vandalism and no one has been charged to date.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.