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.

  • John A McDonald helped create Canada through the Railway

    by Hudson Bay Railway, about 5 years ago
    I feel throughout the talks of what built Canada is the Railway.There r two ports in Canada that ship goods back and forth.The port of Churchill and Thunder Bay .I am a Metis Citizen.I think as people's we have to look at who we r today and move forward.It was The Canadian Railway that made me and John A MacDonald created it.My father was Ukrainian and German.He left school at a young age because he was abused by the teacher.He gained seniority on the CN Rail from working up north on the CN.He became successful and a Roadmaster of two... Continue reading
    I feel throughout the talks of what built Canada is the Railway.There r two ports in Canada that ship goods back and forth.The port of Churchill and Thunder Bay .I am a Metis Citizen.I think as people's we have to look at who we r today and move forward.It was The Canadian Railway that made me and John A MacDonald created it.My father was Ukrainian and German.He left school at a young age because he was abused by the teacher.He gained seniority on the CN Rail from working up north on the CN.He became successful and a Roadmaster of two locations.My father married my mother because she knew how to cook and clean animals.Alot of First Nation people worked for the CNR and Metis Children were created.I do not think we should remove the statue.I think we should all b thankful of who we r today. We should b thankful for John A MacDonald and the Railway.

  • Take it down

    by H, about 5 years ago

    Take it down

    Take it down

  • Statue Belongs In A Museum

    by LauraB, about 5 years ago

    I fully support and applaud city council’s decision to remove the statue and use it as a tool to educate citizens about our past. It’s not acceptable to commemorate and memorialize a historical figure who actively sought to eliminate First Nations peoples. He certainly accomplished great things in other areas—no question. We need to understand both sides of this history, recognizing the achievements and the egregious harms that were carried out. Thanks to city council for your courage and for taking action after a very long wait for change!! Please do move forward with changing Dewdney as well.

    I fully support and applaud city council’s decision to remove the statue and use it as a tool to educate citizens about our past. It’s not acceptable to commemorate and memorialize a historical figure who actively sought to eliminate First Nations peoples. He certainly accomplished great things in other areas—no question. We need to understand both sides of this history, recognizing the achievements and the egregious harms that were carried out. Thanks to city council for your courage and for taking action after a very long wait for change!! Please do move forward with changing Dewdney as well.

  • Take them all down

    by TD, about 5 years ago
    Just as well take down the Louis Riel statue, it is offensive to me to have statue honoring a rebel. While we are at it, no public buildings, streets or anything else named after anyone, white, black, first nation. To heck with trying to honor anyone, no one is perfect. Sound absurd? I agree, tell these social idiots to pound sand.
    Just as well take down the Louis Riel statue, it is offensive to me to have statue honoring a rebel. While we are at it, no public buildings, streets or anything else named after anyone, white, black, first nation. To heck with trying to honor anyone, no one is perfect. Sound absurd? I agree, tell these social idiots to pound sand.

  • A statue does not change history.

    by Honest Citizen, about 5 years ago
    I am for the statue being taken down. Yes, it is history. But history is in our books. A statue is meant to idolize someone and how can we idolize someone who has done wrong by our people? It is understandable that he has also done good but that does not excuse the bad. It is a statue that should be removed.
    I am for the statue being taken down. Yes, it is history. But history is in our books. A statue is meant to idolize someone and how can we idolize someone who has done wrong by our people? It is understandable that he has also done good but that does not excuse the bad. It is a statue that should be removed.

  • Destroying History, Communists first objective

    by Cody, about 5 years ago
    Take a look at yourselves, social justice freaks. You are upheaving a system you didn't build for objectives you cannot define.

    This is a dangerous path for our children should you choose to make them tread it.


    Take a look at yourselves, social justice freaks. You are upheaving a system you didn't build for objectives you cannot define.

    This is a dangerous path for our children should you choose to make them tread it.


  • Sir John A. MacDonald

    by Concerned, about 5 years ago

    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... Continue reading

    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”.

  • Bring the John A. Macdonald statue home to his "birth place"

    by Nugent Stuido Restoration Committee, about 5 years ago

    TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

    We are a committee in the process of restoring the Provincially Designated Heritage Site, known as the JOHN NUGENT STUDIO. This lovely part of history is located in LUMSDEN, SASKATCHEWAN.

    We have been watching and listening carefully to the discussion surrounding the removal of the SIR JOHN A. MACDONALD STATUE. This piece of history is very important to us as we work respectfully and diligently to restore the legacy of Mr. Nugent. His contribution to the National and International Artistic community is invaluable. He received many commissions and awards.

    We, as family, friends and community... Continue reading

    TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

    We are a committee in the process of restoring the Provincially Designated Heritage Site, known as the JOHN NUGENT STUDIO. This lovely part of history is located in LUMSDEN, SASKATCHEWAN.

    We have been watching and listening carefully to the discussion surrounding the removal of the SIR JOHN A. MACDONALD STATUE. This piece of history is very important to us as we work respectfully and diligently to restore the legacy of Mr. Nugent. His contribution to the National and International Artistic community is invaluable. He received many commissions and awards.

    We, as family, friends and community supporters are proud of his artistic vision and development. We want his works and efforts remembered and cherished.

    It is with these thoughts, we recognize the fact that Mr. NUGENT was responsible for the BRONZE CASTING of this Statue. We feel IF this Statue is removed, we would welcome the opportunity to bring the Statue home to the NUGENT STUDIO at LUMSDEN. This Sculpture does have a positive reflection for us, artistically. This is the 60thAnniversary for the NUGENT STUDIO.

    What proud moments to celebrate the contributions of one of our own local personalities! Hopefully, those individuals involved will consider our heartfelt request.

    We would gladly meet with your chosen representatives to pursue this relocation.

    Appreciatively,

    The NUGENT STUDIO RESTORATION COMMITTEE

  • John A Macdonald was not even Prime Minister when Saskatchewan join Federation

    by hkk, about 5 years ago

    Wilfrid Laurier was Prime Minister when Saskatchewan joined federation in 1905. You can argue he helped spur the railway across Canada but you have to acknowledge to build that railway they kicked off people from their lands, particularly in Saskatchewan.

    Wilfrid Laurier was Prime Minister when Saskatchewan joined federation in 1905. You can argue he helped spur the railway across Canada but you have to acknowledge to build that railway they kicked off people from their lands, particularly in Saskatchewan.

  • Canada and its History

    by SS, about 5 years ago
    It saddens me to see how our people have become complacent. We do have history and SJAM is part of that. If the City thinks the statue needs to be moved, perhaps the legislative grounds would be the best home. I don't think nasty plaques need to accompany it. SJAM did what he thought was best at that time in history. We must learn from our history and never forget it, because when you forget, is when it comes back to bite you! Therefore all our people no matter what color or religion needs to start working together for a... Continue reading
    It saddens me to see how our people have become complacent. We do have history and SJAM is part of that. If the City thinks the statue needs to be moved, perhaps the legislative grounds would be the best home. I don't think nasty plaques need to accompany it. SJAM did what he thought was best at that time in history. We must learn from our history and never forget it, because when you forget, is when it comes back to bite you! Therefore all our people no matter what color or religion needs to start working together for a better Canada. It seems today its the squeaky wheel that gets the grease but know one is trying to work together.