Live in Harmony

The statue of J.A.M. Cannot remain as it was if we are serious about working towards reconciliation. From reading some of the stories, it is clear we still have a long way to go. As an Indigenous person, I am not looking to erase or rewrite history as so many have claimed is the purpose behind removal of the statue. I do however, want to see a true representation of the man and history - and I don’t want to see it in Victoria Park. It could be where someone is intentionally looking for it - such as a museum, not causing pain because someone has to walk by it if they unknowingly choose a route where it is displayed. The whole story is important. We must also be clear that we are not attempting to erase or rewrite history, we are simply clarifying what should have been done long ago. It is just as important to ensure we have statues of indigenous leaders both Métis and First Nations that helped the settlers so that they could survive here they wouldn’t have done well without this freely given help. Indigenous peoples welcomed settlers as brothers. There was never an intent for a parent child relationship, but this was the path the settlers chose. Indigenous peoples had lived here for thousands of years, so clearly they were able to survive and thrive. This was not done in a European fashion, not because they couldn’t but because that was the lifestyle they chose. It was not what the settlers had in mind - but it does not mean the settlers way was better. J.A.M. Didn’t try to ensure equality, or build the country by himself - let’s not give him more credit than he deserves.