Sir John A. MacDonald

Sir John A. MacDonald Statue

It is remarkably easy for an individual to make decisions that are honest and in the best interest of the people. It is much tougher to make those same decisions as a member of a group. Sir John A. MacDonald was able to consolidate a group of people that led to the confederation of Canada under the British Empire. It acknowledged the relationship between the provinces and the federal government. He recognized the importance of a railroad from east to west that would ensure an expanding, evolving and strong Canada.

Sir John A. MacDonald and his government also made extremely bad decisions that devastated the First Nations and first nations people. Government policies and practices that developed into laws and legislation did not recognize First Nations laws, culture and their rights and freedoms. This restricted the development of First Nations and all people in the development of a new evolving Canada. The development of residential schools to assimilate First Nations children was a momentous bad decision as provided in the Truth and Reconciliation Study Report.

In recent years, the Sir A. MacDonald Statue has become a symbol of the long-term devastation of the policies of his government. Canada has evolved over the last one hundred and fifty years. The older an individual is: the more the individual can recognize the magnitude of the changes in Canada and the world. As much as Sir John A. MacDonald’s policies are the root of the problem, there has been efforts to change these policies over the last one hundred and fifty years. The political climate has changed with the changing demographics of Canada and its people. Canada has been governed by most of the political parties and their leaders (Prime Ministers). Provinces have been governed by most of the political parties and their leaders (Premiers). First Nations have organized with new organizations to develop policies. The estimated four hundred and sixty-five first nations may be members of regional, provincial or other first nation groups. They Chiefs may represent other first nations at the national level on the Assembly of First Nations. The policies are developed to influence federal and provincial and municipal governments. Most ethno-cultural demographic group has organizations to influence governments.

The policies of the First Prime Minister’s government were the root of the problem. There has been a multitude of “Governments” and changes to “First Nations and its Organizations” since confederation. It is only appropriate that these organizations acknowledge there has not been a resolution to the problem. It must be difficult to obtain satisfactory solutions with such a diverse group of organizations.

Sir John A. MacDonald had the foresight to conceive the federation of Canada. As the first Prime Minister of Canada his government made decisions the greatly impacted the history of Canada and the people. The government established the relationship and legislative structure between of the federal and provincial governments. The government’s lack of recognition of First Nations rights and freedom had a devastating impact on First Nations people. It continues to this century.

The relocation of the Sir John A. MacDonald Statue

I would suggest that the statue be relocated to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Recruiting Center in Regina, Saskatcahewan, Canada.

It has a historical museum.

It was formally the Northwest Mounted Police with a history in the west.

It has a history good or bad with First Nations, Metis and northern Canada.

The content of the email indicated two descriptions that got my attention.

The third paragraph indicates residents impacted by MacDonald’s legacy are encouraged to share their stories. I am concerned with the First Nations use the term “Colonialism”. What is the time span. I can accept this term if it is reference to government. I believe it is derogatory if used to describe individuals. I am more in favour of voting political people out of office. The fact is governments do not appear to make decisions that reflect my values.

The second paragraph indicates having honest and respectful dialog to be more informed and empathetic citizens.

I try to keep “somewhat” informed on numerous topics including first nations.

From Where I Stand – Jody Wilson-Raylbould

Book one – Chief Piapot- “I Will Stop the Train” by Vincent McKay.

The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN)

National News programs and political programs provide excellent points of view.

Activists provide alternative points of view.

Diverse Opinions among First Nations

Indigenous Activists

There is information not included in this document that is just as important as what is in this document. The reason is: if a first nations person provided the information it may be classified as a “difference of opinion”. If someone other than a first nations person provided the information, it may be classified as “racist”.