The article, “Public monuments should represent history and reconciliation, not celebrate Canada’s colonization,” was posted on September 01, 2020, by Kerry Benjoe. The author argues that important figures and statutes should be a reflection of the city and its residents. Benjoe (2020) explains that the First Nation’s history was erased immediately after the Treaties ink dried. Failing to acknowledge the existence of this past has created indigenous and non-indigenous people’s divisions (Benjoe, 2020). However, all individuals should be included if society aims to establish a better future. The reason is that solid interrelations cannot be enhanced if controversial figures’ statutes remain in Saskatchewan province. Canadians should be optimistic about unveiling their country’s hidden past. For example, the author uses Thomas Moore-Keesick and argues that most people do not know his name, although they can easily recognize his image.
Together with his brother, Samuel, and sister Julia, Keesick was admitted into the Indian Industrial School in Regina (Benjoe, 2020). These were among the first students admitted to the learning institution, which existed from 1891 to 1910, with Keesick being number twenty-two. Although Julia and Keesick contracted tuberculosis in school and died, there is no statute to remember their deaths. Benjoe (2020) argues that unimportant statutes, such as those of John A. Macdonald and Edgar Dewdney, have received more attention from society. For example, Benjoe (2020) writes that Macdonald was an alcoholic who “once puked at the House of Common during a debate” (para. 14). Additionally, he was a racist and discriminated against the French, Metis, First Nation, and other immigrants. Macdonald also executed Louis Riel for treason, although French Canadians objected to this decision. In contrast, Dewdney injured the indigenous people and buffalo and killed Chinese immigrants when he cleared the prairies to construct the transcontinental railway.
Public monuments should be carefully evaluated because they remind the people of important figures, appreciate them and unite society. For instance, a statue showing the image of Thomas Moore-Keesick with his name written on it would remind individuals about Regina’s Indian Industrial School and where it was constructed. This can help people to understand more about the learning institution, identify its students’ capacity, how long it existed, and the reasons behind its closure. However, this is not the case because Benjoe (2020) argues that this history would have been forgotten if the landowner had not discovered the small cemetery and informed the relevant authorities. It is also essential to conduct a thorough research about these individuals and understand their true character. For example, Benjoe (2020) argues that Macdonald’s statue stands at Regina province, although he died before it became one (para. 4). Public monuments should motivate individuals to emulate the figures and positively impact the city. The reason is that these people’s statutes should be erected because they significantly contributed to the growth of the city or improved the living standards of people. As a result, society should collaborate and do its best to ensure that these figures’ legacy remains. However, a different idea is demonstrated by the article written by Benjoe. This is because she explains that institutions such as Buffalo People Arts Institute and Decolonizing Relations want Edgar’s statute removed from the city. The reason is that he caused more harm than good; therefore, he should not be celebrated. Therefore, the Canadian government should bring down the unimportant statutes and erect the ones that positively impact the city and its residents.
Reference
Benjoe, K. (2020). Public monuments should represent history and reconciliation, not celebrate Canada’s colonization. CBC News. Web.