The statue of John A. Macdonald in Place du Canada, which had been unbolted in August 2020 by anti-racist activists, should not be put back on its base, believes an ad hoc committee set up by the City of Montreal.
“Considering the assimilation and genocidal policies that it implemented against the indigenous peoples and the discriminatory acts that it perpetrated against several groups of people, the consequences of which are still painful and palpable for several committees, the committee believes, in the spirit of the reconciliation process, that it is necessary to distance ourselves from this legacy of John A. Macdonald and the colonial vision represented by the monument,” the committee members wrote in a preliminary opinion released Monday. .
Remember that the City of Montreal had entrusted a committee of experts with the mission of evaluating the heritage value of the monument and making recommendations on the future of the statue erected in 1895 in Place du Canada. This committee notably brought together Senator Michèle Audette, André Dudemaine, director of cultural activities at Terres en vue and Dinu Bumbaru, director of programs at Héritage Montréal.
The members of the committee recommend leaving the structure of the monument empty by affixing an explanatory plaque to it. They do, however, propose a “renewed interpretation program” which could take different forms.
In its opinion, the committee suggests an artistic approach. He mentions the option of a virtual approach using a digital project that could allow victims of the policies put in place by Macdonald to testify. This concept would have the advantage of “reaching a wider and younger audience”, it is pointed out.
“Several types of digital projects are possible, such as augmented reality tours, a strong point of which would be the monument itself, testimonies delivered by elders, projections, etc. suggests the committee, which recommends involving the population in the process to be undertaken.
He also proposes to establish a ritual of contemplation around the monument to Macdonald.
Further details will follow.