The future of the Champlain Monument, the famous bronze statue which has stood in a place of pride in Couchiching Beach Park since 1925, remains murky.
Last summer, Parks Canada, the owner of the statue crafted by Vernon March, removed both the monument and its massive plinth. They were trucked away to be restored. Parks Canada has said its plan is to return the monument back to its familiar place, hopefully, by this summer.
However, the removal has sparked debate about the statue’s future. Many have suggested the removal of the statue should be permanent as it doesn’t reflect history accurately – especially when it comes to its portrayal of Indigenous peoples.
At a meeting held in Orillia late last month, Konrad H. Sioui, the Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation, weighed in on the debate and expressed his opposition to the statue and its potential return to the city park.
In a strongly-worded letter to city council, which was included in the agenda package Monday night but not discussed, Sioui said he is opposed to the reinstallation of the “offensive and degrading monument.”
In the letter, Sioui said: “Not only would such an action undermine and challenge reconciliation efforts with indigenous peoples, but it would also perpetuate a disgraceful perception of our peoples as being submissive, subservient and obedient to the French Crown while portraying them as an inferior class of citizens.”
While council did not discuss the issue, local history buff Bruce McRae addressed council in the public forum following the meeting. He urged council, whenever they discuss the monument’s fate, to consider its origins.
“It’s important to understand the context,” said McRae, noting the city and the country was only about 40 years old in 1912 when the council of the day voted to build the monument. “There was a growing fear of a division within our confederation … between two linguistic peoples, the French and English. The Champlain Monument was (meant as a) way to build a bridge between the French and English.”
He also noted the council of the day was comprised of some memorable leaders: Mayor William Frost, Erastus Long, David H. Church, Harold Hale and others. “Those names are still familiar a century later,” said McRae. “In respect of that council of a century ago, one of the very best we’ve ever had in Orillia … there is much to be considered when council considers what to do with it.”
Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke told OrilliaMatters it’s “a little premature to talk about council’s involvement.”
He said there is a parallel project afoot that may help quell the concerns of many. Clarke said former Orillia history teacher Mike Shilolo is spearheading a potential artistic installation that could be situated near the Champlain Monument that provides a more accurate perspective of the role of Indigenous people.
“He has garnered support in principle and financial support from the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario to help develop a complementary project,” said Clarke. “The underlying goal from the very beginning is to more accurately reflect the real story. As much as people take pride in the monument – and it’s a sight to behold – the story it tells, especially in the minds of our First Nations friends and many others, is not accurate.”
The mayor said Shilolo is working with the city, Parks Canada, the Chippewas of Rama and the Huron-Wendat First Nation people.
“Whatever the new interpretive piece of art/sculpture or series of signs … that’s still being developed,” said Clarke. “Until there’s a solid concept to bring to council” discussions will continue. “There is definitely a decision to make at some point because it’s in our park.”
Clarke said his hope is that whatever eventually happens, it “honours the original intention to make the Champlain Monument an educational opportunity and to tell an accurate story.”