The return of the Champlain Monument is being “deferred” for an unknown amount of time.
Parks Canada said in a statement the Huron-Wendat Nation and Chippewas of Rama First Nation have indicated “they are no longer able to continue to participate in the (Champlain Monument working group) process, noting that circumstances around this matter have evolved.”
In a letter to city council, Mayor Steve Clarke said those circumstances include “recent discoveries of the remains of children in unmarked graves at a number of former residential schools across Canada.”
“Out of respect for our First Nations partners, city representatives of the working group support Parks Canada’s position to defer the reinstallation of the monument at this time,” Clarke wrote.
“Steps are being taken by Parks Canada to restore the park so that it is safe and accessible to residents while they work on an appropriate path forward for the project.”
A Parks Canada spokesperson said there is no timeline for the monument’s return to Couchiching Beach Park.
The monument was removed for repairs in 2017. Since then, it has become a point of controversy, with some taking issue with its depictions of Indigenous peoples.
The working group was created in 2018, tasked with undertaking “public consultation and to recommend to council and Parks Canada an appropriate path forward for the Champlain Monument that is respectful and representative of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives,” as stated on the city’s website.
In addition to the Huron-Wendat Nation and Chippewas of Rama First Nation, the working group included representation from the City of Orillia and Parks Canada.
In its statement, Parks Canada said it “would like to thank the members of the working group for their valuable insight and contributions and look forward to continuing these relationships based on recognizing rights, respect, collaboration, and partnership.”
“Parks Canada remains committed to ensuring Canadians have opportunities to learn about the full scope of our history while being respectful of Indigenous culture, history and perspectives.”
Watch for an update on OrilliaMatters, which has reached out to officials from the city and Rama for comment.
