MMF and Partners Work Together to Relocate Memorial Statue

November 1, 2024

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, at the very heart of our Homeland - the iconic corner of Portage & Main - the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, began the removal of the World War I memorial statue after months of working with its partners.

To protect the statue from construction activity and make way for pedestrian traffic, the memorial statue needed to be relocated in advance of the reopening of Portage and Main. The MMF and its partners, including the Bank of Montreal (BMO), the Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, and the City of Winnipeg worked hard to ensure the relocation of the memorial statue was done with mindfulness and respect.

"The Red River Métis cherish and honour all who have served and will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice," said Shawn Nault, Minister for Red River Métis Veterans. "Ensuring that this war memorial was given the utmost respect for who and what it represents was paramount to us, and we were grateful to have strong partners every step of the way."

On October 3, the City of Winnipeg accepted the MMF's gift of the memorial statue and agreed to its relocation to the Field of Honour in Brookside Cemetery, one of the largest military cemeteries in Canada.

"For more than a century, this monument has stood watch over Portage and Main, reminding us all of the heroism and sacrifice displayed by Canada's soldiers," said Mayor Scott Gillingham. "Its relocation marks both a new chapter for our downtown and an enduring commitment to honour those who served. We are proud to work with the Manitoba Métis Federation and all partners to ensure the memorial is moved with care and respect. As we reopen Portage and Main to pedestrian traffic, we continue to reflect on the legacy of those who shaped our history while embracing the future of our city."

Originally erected in September 1923, the memorial statue is in memory of the 231 staff members of the Bank of Montreal (BMO) who gave their lives during the First World War. The model for the statue was the late Captain Wynn Bagnall, a member of BMO's Winnipeg Main Branch who served in the 58th Field Artillery.

A special ceremony in the spring 2025 will be held to honour Canadian veterans of World War I and to acknowledge the new location of the memorial statue at Brookside Cemetery.

"Moving forward with our shared vision of a stronger downtown is vital and opening up Portage and Main to foot traffic is a strategic part of that effort," said President Chartrand. "However, no matter how important this vision is to the vitality of the heart of our Homeland, it must always be balanced with respect and appreciation for the past. Ensuring continued respect for this monument to bravery, and the sacrifices of so many Canadians - including our own Red River Métis - had to be arranged before the next steps could happen. I'm confident that balance has been achieved for this memorial and the people it represents."

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For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the democratically elected National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis. The Red River Métis are a distinct Indigenous Nation and People and Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

 

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