A historic fountain situated in St. Henri Park, Montreal, is igniting fresh discussions regarding the portrayal of Indigenous peoples in public spaces and the legacy of colonialism within the city. Dr. Stanley Vollant, an Innu physician residing just across from the park, found the issue particularly poignant when his young daughter expressed confusion over the sculpted Indigenous faces adorning the monument. “My daughter asked me who those monsters were that were spitting out water,” he recalled. “I told her, it’s us. It is the faces of Indigenous people.”
A Reflection of Colonial History
Currently non-operational, the fountain features intricate carvings that, according to Vollant, evoke a gargoyle-like appearance, emblematic of a colonial viewpoint on Indigenous identity. “I felt a sense of shame,” he continued, reflecting on his daughter’s reaction. “She asked, ‘Why do they put the faces of us? These ugly faces of us on this statue?’”
Erected in 1893, the monument bears an inscription that commemorates Jacques Cartier’s claim over the land for the French Crown—a claim made despite the fact that Indigenous peoples had inhabited the territory for millennia prior to European arrival. “It states that he is taking possession of this land in the name of his king,” Vollant pointed out, underscoring the ongoing struggle against historical narratives that marginalise Indigenous voices.
The Broader Context of Public Monuments
Taika Baillargeon, a representative from Heritage Montreal, highlighted that monuments celebrating conquest and dominance were commonplace throughout the 19th century. “This was very typical, and sadly, Montreal is home to many such structures, as is Canada in general,” she noted.
As communities increasingly engage in dialogues about reconciliation and the recognition of Indigenous histories, the conversation surrounding public monuments has gained momentum. “We talk about reconciliation, we talk about recognition, and how we’re going to show in our public spaces a new way of seeing history today,” Baillargeon explained. “There’s always a tension between: do we erase or do we create new ways of making the dialogue possible?”
Ongoing Conversations and Future Considerations
This debate is part of a larger discourse in Montreal regarding monuments linked to Canada’s colonial past, evidenced by the ongoing controversy surrounding the statue of Sir John A. Macdonald at Place du Canada, which has yet to be reinstated following its removal during a protest.
While Vollant acknowledges recent municipal initiatives—such as incorporating an Indigenous symbol into Montreal’s flag and renaming Amherst Street to Atateken—he argues that further action is essential. “This statue may not reflect reconciliation at all,” he stated, indicating that the journey towards genuine representation and acknowledgment of Indigenous histories remains incomplete.
For Vollant, the fountain is a catalyst for ongoing discussions about history, representation, and the path to reconciliation in Canada.
Why it Matters
The discourse surrounding the St. Henri Park fountain is emblematic of a broader reckoning with colonial legacies in public spaces across Canada. As communities strive for reconciliation, the challenge lies in balancing the preservation of historical monuments with the necessity of fostering inclusive narratives that honour Indigenous experiences. This dialogue is crucial not only for healing past wounds but also for shaping a more equitable future, where the voices of all Canadians, especially Indigenous peoples, are acknowledged and respected.
