Statue should be dismantled

In Hamilton’s Urban Indigenous Strategy, one of the Land Theme Actions states “understand how concepts such as the Doctrine of Discovery affect municipal decision-making and develop tools to reform those processes.”

The John A. Macdonald statue in Gore Park is a symbol of colonialism and white supremacy and should be dismantled. It is a reminder of the devastating impact of residential schools on Indigenous people and a barrier to healing from the trauma of genocide. This action would be one step that Hamilton city council could take to begin the process of reconciliation with the Indigenous community. Councillor Nrinder Nann’s motion to remove the statue supported by Maureen Wilson and Brad Clark shows they listened to the hundreds who asked for the statue to be taken down. Another action in Hamilton’s Urban Indigenous Strategy calls for the “commission of public art in a prominent location that honours mutual respect and reconciliation.” This positive and affirming idea is like an antidote to the racism and colonialism symbolized by the John A. Macdonald statue. The art work could replace the present statue and be another step forward in the reconciliation process.

Sue Markey, Hamilton