Sir John A. Macdonald statue under review by city for ‘harmful legacy’

A statue in Regina’s Victoria Park is currently under review.

Controversy has surrounded the statue of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister who played a role in creating the Indian residential school system.

The City of Regina placed a sign on the monument Tuesday. It hangs from Macdonald’s feet and states options are being explored to respond to the statue’s “harmful legacy.”

“Recognizing that this statue represents a harmful legacy to members of our community, the City of Regina is reaching out to Indigenous elders, artists and other community members as well as other cultural groups and the broader public to guide our response,” the sign on the statue read.

Recognizing that the Sir John A. Macdonald statue represents a harmful legacy to members of our community, we are reaching out for guidance on responding to harmful legacies. Together, let's increasing understanding of Regina’s diverse histories https://t.co/lxHKamexi4 #yqr pic.twitter.com/0RHn74aYSE

— City of Regina (@CityofRegina) June 30, 2020

The Civic Art and Cultural Corrections Policy was approved by Regina’s city council earlier this year. The policy outlines long-term responses for dealing with pieces in the city’s collection — like the Macdonald statue — that may have difficult legacies.

The city said it began consultations with Indigenous artists and elders earlier this year to discuss the future of the monument.

“These conversations were paused with COVID-19 limiting in-person gatherings but we are continuing to explore options for timing and format,” the city said in an emailed statement.

Options being explored for the statue include displaying counter-monuments or other response pieces and reinterpretation of the historical significance of the statue to include its modern context.

The city is also considering removal and replacement of the piece.

Regina’s Macdonald memorial has been vandalized several times, including twice in 2018. In February of that year, the entire statue was spray-painted yellow and green. The statue’s hands were spray-painted red in August.

“Recognizing that the Sir John A. Macdonald statue represents a harmful legacy to members of our community, we are reaching out for guidance on responding to harmful legacies,” the City of Regina said in a tweet.

“Together, let’s increase understanding of Regina’s diverse histories.”