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 {snip}

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{snip} Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick said the province did not consult on this decision {snip}

“The replacement of the Queen Elizabeth II statue, without warning, perpetuates the painful legacy of Canadian colonialism,” the statement said. {snip}

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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 {snip}

Since being put back up, the statue has already been vandalized. The words “colonizer” and “killer” were spray painted on the statue.

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