John A. Macdonald Legacy Review

Consultation has concluded

Please see the Legacy Review page on Regina.ca for updates on this project

As a community, we learn through the diverse experiences and perspectives that are our shared history.


The City of Regina invites you to join a community conversation on the legacy of Sir John A. Macdonald. The intent is to foster understanding and telling a complete story of Macdonald’s legacy, both his contributions to Canada as prime minister and founder of Confederation as well as the harmful impact his policies have had on Indigenous peoples and other ethno-cultural communities.

These conversations follow City Council’s decision on March 31, 2021 to relocate the Macdonald statue from Victoria Park. The statue is currently in secure storage in a City facility while consultation activities continue and Administration works with partners to identify options for a new location. A progress report on this work will be considered by City Council in spring 2022..

Since initiating a legacy review of the statue in June 2020, City staff have met with First Nations and Métis Knowledge Keepers, as well as Indigenous artists, curators and academics to seek guidance on how the statue can support a more complete story of the impact of Macdonald’s policies upon First Nations and Métis peoples and other ethno-cultural communities. .

While many historical texts document the negative impact of the Macdonald government’s policies on Indigenous and other ethno-cultural communities, many participants shared how these policies are still impacting them and their families today. For some, the statue is a regular reminder of colonial policies that relocated and restricted the movement of Indigenous Peoples, left their ancestors weaker and more prone to disease, and created residential and day schools.

Telling the full story is an important part of the City’s responsibilities as an institution engaged in Truth and Reconciliation. Moving forward, the City is considering programming and other resources to support increased understanding of Macdonald’s legacy.

We invite residents impacted by Macdonald’s legacy to use this online community to share their stories and the stories of their families. Through this, we hope to relearn a more inclusive history the experiences of Regina’s people.

Please see the Legacy Review page on Regina.ca for updates on this project

As a community, we learn through the diverse experiences and perspectives that are our shared history.


The City of Regina invites you to join a community conversation on the legacy of Sir John A. Macdonald. The intent is to foster understanding and telling a complete story of Macdonald’s legacy, both his contributions to Canada as prime minister and founder of Confederation as well as the harmful impact his policies have had on Indigenous peoples and other ethno-cultural communities.

These conversations follow City Council’s decision on March 31, 2021 to relocate the Macdonald statue from Victoria Park. The statue is currently in secure storage in a City facility while consultation activities continue and Administration works with partners to identify options for a new location. A progress report on this work will be considered by City Council in spring 2022..

Since initiating a legacy review of the statue in June 2020, City staff have met with First Nations and Métis Knowledge Keepers, as well as Indigenous artists, curators and academics to seek guidance on how the statue can support a more complete story of the impact of Macdonald’s policies upon First Nations and Métis peoples and other ethno-cultural communities. .

While many historical texts document the negative impact of the Macdonald government’s policies on Indigenous and other ethno-cultural communities, many participants shared how these policies are still impacting them and their families today. For some, the statue is a regular reminder of colonial policies that relocated and restricted the movement of Indigenous Peoples, left their ancestors weaker and more prone to disease, and created residential and day schools.

Telling the full story is an important part of the City’s responsibilities as an institution engaged in Truth and Reconciliation. Moving forward, the City is considering programming and other resources to support increased understanding of Macdonald’s legacy.

We invite residents impacted by Macdonald’s legacy to use this online community to share their stories and the stories of their families. Through this, we hope to relearn a more inclusive history the experiences of Regina’s people.

Share your story

What’s your story? We are especially interested to hear the stories that are unique to you and your experience. If you don’t have a story, you can also share your thoughts and ideas about local history and other issues or ideas that might be worth exploring. You can also upload photos, videos and insert links. 

We want this to be a safe space for everyone to share thoughts, feelings and opinions. Words are powerful, so please make sure yours are respectful to all. By sharing, you are helping to foster a community conversation that can give us all a better understanding of our collective history.

Thank you for sharing your story with us.
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

  • Fuckin indians are a cancer

    by Mr.Peeks, over 5 years ago
    Build more john a statues and put them on every street corner
    Build more john a statues and put them on every street corner

  • awahš

    by acahkos, over 5 years ago

    i’m anihšināpē-nêhiyaw-siksika & a member of Muscowpetung First Nation. i wouldn’t be alive today if my great-grandparents, grandparents, and father did not survive residential school. and i believe the statue needs to be destroyed... not moved. insinuating that there’s merit in macdonalds actions, that his image deserves visibility, that he’s a ‘founder’ instead of a colonizer who pursued “Aryan character”, is embracing the effects of his (ongoing) genocide & his ambition to annihilate Indigenous people. there’s nothing celebratory about Canada’s history, nor Regina’s, as settlement occurred without consent, under duress of sickness introduced through the fur trade & intentional slaughter... Continue reading

    i’m anihšināpē-nêhiyaw-siksika & a member of Muscowpetung First Nation. i wouldn’t be alive today if my great-grandparents, grandparents, and father did not survive residential school. and i believe the statue needs to be destroyed... not moved. insinuating that there’s merit in macdonalds actions, that his image deserves visibility, that he’s a ‘founder’ instead of a colonizer who pursued “Aryan character”, is embracing the effects of his (ongoing) genocide & his ambition to annihilate Indigenous people. there’s nothing celebratory about Canada’s history, nor Regina’s, as settlement occurred without consent, under duress of sickness introduced through the fur trade & intentional slaughter of the buffalo to dispossess us. it’s also wrong to suggest that settlers and Indigenous people have a ‘collective history’, as this sentiment removes accountability from settlers and shames Indigenous people for wanting to assert our sovereignty without assimilation or compromise. but understand that treaty land is not ceded land, and it never will be. since macdonald failed to silence us, so will everyone else.

  • That which has no roots cannot grow

    by Meyer, over 5 years ago

    A common gloat among Canadians over the last few years has been the self assurance that we are more progressive or enlightened than Americans. Some liberals and college students will snarkly reply that we aren't, but the evidence speaks for itself. Without Sir John A McDonald, half of Canada would likely have fallen into American territory during their aggressive expansion following the Civil War. McDonald advocated providing aid to starving First Nations groups out west. For this, he was derided as a radical in the House of Commons.

    So many people in Canada share a common story, my grandparents included... Continue reading

    A common gloat among Canadians over the last few years has been the self assurance that we are more progressive or enlightened than Americans. Some liberals and college students will snarkly reply that we aren't, but the evidence speaks for itself. Without Sir John A McDonald, half of Canada would likely have fallen into American territory during their aggressive expansion following the Civil War. McDonald advocated providing aid to starving First Nations groups out west. For this, he was derided as a radical in the House of Commons.

    So many people in Canada share a common story, my grandparents included; they came to Canada to escape unimaginable suffering. There were struggles in Canada too, but they never wanted to go back. Sir John A McDonald helped build a nation that still provides a welcoming home to many seeking a better life. Is Canada perfect? Of course not. But we continue to grow. Was Sir John A perfect? Once again, no, but his contributions must never be marginalized. It may begin as removing a statue, but that act is one of ignorance. It erases a story rather than providing the nuance necessary. Sir John A McDonald worked to bring Canada together as one country, a place to come and build together. By erasing him, you erase that foundation that continues to build Canada today.

  • John A Macdonald Statue

    by Afterlife, over 5 years ago
    A Western Development Museum would be a perfect venue to host historic monuments/statues. The statue should be accompanied by a written record of its historic (factual) relevance to Canada.
    A Western Development Museum would be a perfect venue to host historic monuments/statues. The statue should be accompanied by a written record of its historic (factual) relevance to Canada.

  • History

    by karenell, over 5 years ago
    History should not be hidden but all aspects of it good and bad should be made available to all.

    If one looks at the past...there were all sorts of mistakes and errors in thought process and that will

    Continue even into the future. What is good for one time is not good for all time. Give the whole story for whatever is called up...let it be known to all. Do not hide. There is good and bad in all

    Decisions and everyone has their opinion of what is right, justified or needed. Let us not be so critical of what... Continue reading

    History should not be hidden but all aspects of it good and bad should be made available to all.

    If one looks at the past...there were all sorts of mistakes and errors in thought process and that will

    Continue even into the future. What is good for one time is not good for all time. Give the whole story for whatever is called up...let it be known to all. Do not hide. There is good and bad in all

    Decisions and everyone has their opinion of what is right, justified or needed. Let us not be so critical of what happened but accept what was done and move forward with what the future holds for all. Krade

  • Time for respect.

    by blueaardvark , over 5 years ago
    I am exhausted at people trying to change history. History is what happened. Right or wrong it’s history. You can’t change it by removing statues and getting rid of books or other media. The Germans and Hitler tried and didn’t help. Respect what has happened in the past. Use history to educate us for the future.
    I am exhausted at people trying to change history. History is what happened. Right or wrong it’s history. You can’t change it by removing statues and getting rid of books or other media. The Germans and Hitler tried and didn’t help. Respect what has happened in the past. Use history to educate us for the future.

  • Keep the Statue But...

    by LisaF, over 5 years ago

    I believe the city created a missed opportunity of educating the greater public in taking down Sir John A. Macdonald's Statue. Keep the Statue , but put in a plaque describing the true history of not only this man but the government of it's time. We should learn from the past not try to erase it. My Story is this....I am Métis...and I'm of the older generation. Growing up, we were not taught of the atrocities John A. Macdonald and his govt did towards Métis and First Nations. Our parents and older generations didn't tell us much because they were... Continue reading

    I believe the city created a missed opportunity of educating the greater public in taking down Sir John A. Macdonald's Statue. Keep the Statue , but put in a plaque describing the true history of not only this man but the government of it's time. We should learn from the past not try to erase it. My Story is this....I am Métis...and I'm of the older generation. Growing up, we were not taught of the atrocities John A. Macdonald and his govt did towards Métis and First Nations. Our parents and older generations didn't tell us much because they were in their own healing process. I learned later in life and I do understand why many want the statue taken down. BUT, It will cost the city around $35 thousand to remove and store it, that's money that could be going towards social programs ect. I question when will enough be enough? How many statues, school names, street signs will come down next. All of this cost money. I wish more people would have an open respectful dialogue . I don't like it when people are labeled racist or ignorant of truth/facts just because they agree with the Statue staying up. This is a opportunity to educate. History is all of ours...the good and the bad. Canada has come a long way, we have a ways to go.

  • Moving Regina Forward

    by JamieMB , over 5 years ago

    The voices that should be central in this discussion are the voices of Indigenous people most impacted by JAM’s genocidal policies. It doesn’t matter if there are other people who think he was good or not that bad. There are many people in this city who are very racist. Go check out the comments sections on news reports about this statue or Colton Boushie’s death. It is absolutely inappropriate for the city to be taking opinions from those people on this issue and considering them as equally worthy of consideration as that of Indigenous peoples. Removing the statue will absolutely... Continue reading

    The voices that should be central in this discussion are the voices of Indigenous people most impacted by JAM’s genocidal policies. It doesn’t matter if there are other people who think he was good or not that bad. There are many people in this city who are very racist. Go check out the comments sections on news reports about this statue or Colton Boushie’s death. It is absolutely inappropriate for the city to be taking opinions from those people on this issue and considering them as equally worthy of consideration as that of Indigenous peoples. Removing the statue will absolutely not remove JAM from history or erase history. Statues honour the one presented. History is preserved in many other ways. The privileged and the prejudices will try and convince you that JAM is not that bad or that his good qualities should be balanced against the bad. Do not listen to them. He was responsible for the racially motivated deaths of many. Would you be having a public consultation so that people could share their stories about the good qualities of a serial killer? That’s not balance, that is just an insult to the victims. Listen to them. It’s time for the privileged to shut their mouths and listen to the marginalized. That includes many on city council.

  • I Rather My Kids Learn Both Sides of the Story

    by TellUsAStory, over 5 years ago
    There is the old saying...those that ignore history are doomed to repeat it. I certainly hope that NEVER occurs with what was done to First Nation peoples under Sir John A McDonald. However, I think there is a point for people to learn both sides of what that man did during his life. I really hope that after a new home is found for the statue we overhaul the plaque outlining both the positive things he did for this country and the negative. I don't think ignoring history and putting it out of site in storage will be good for... Continue reading
    There is the old saying...those that ignore history are doomed to repeat it. I certainly hope that NEVER occurs with what was done to First Nation peoples under Sir John A McDonald. However, I think there is a point for people to learn both sides of what that man did during his life. I really hope that after a new home is found for the statue we overhaul the plaque outlining both the positive things he did for this country and the negative. I don't think ignoring history and putting it out of site in storage will be good for anyone in the long haul. However I understand the desire to move the statue to a different location and provide more context on what he did.

  • Agreed; get rid of the statue!

    by Richards, over 5 years ago
    North Central has been a ghetto for decades, yet the city deems it necessary to create a "safe space" to promote this debate; a complete waste of money in my opinion.

    The removal of the statue is nothing unique or special. Such removals are happening in places that have progressed far enough to understand that colonial monuments are archaic and perpetuate incomplete historical narratives.

    Some small minds will likely drone on about history being stolen or otherwise disappearing as though the statue were a pillar of reality itself. To those who do; don't worry it's not. History isn't disappearing, but... Continue reading

    North Central has been a ghetto for decades, yet the city deems it necessary to create a "safe space" to promote this debate; a complete waste of money in my opinion.

    The removal of the statue is nothing unique or special. Such removals are happening in places that have progressed far enough to understand that colonial monuments are archaic and perpetuate incomplete historical narratives.

    Some small minds will likely drone on about history being stolen or otherwise disappearing as though the statue were a pillar of reality itself. To those who do; don't worry it's not. History isn't disappearing, but hopefully archaic understandings of it will.

    I've long noticed the abjectly poor, racist treatment of indigenous people in this city. I hope this discussion is the starting point of some real effort to make change (and to force it if necessary).

    Removing the statue is a small step, but at least the city took that direction for now. Progress needs to be made in a persistent manner to engage with Indigenous residents and to make all efforts towards being more inclusive and understanding. Jobs and economic inclusion are necessary. Empathy would go a long way for now