Over the course of the past weekend, a revered monument in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, paying homage to Métis elders, fell victim to an unfortunate act of vandalism. Immersed in its own history and deeply connected with its Métis legacy, the town is known for this particular monument, featuring a tipi and Red River cart installed in March by the local Métis association. This poignant tribute serves as a living testament to both the present and bygone Métis elders.
Ed Blondeau, the president of the local Métis association, has always taken great pride in this tribute. “It’s one of those things that makes us proud,” he reverberates. Within the confines of the tipi, visitors would uncover an array of photos spotlighting relatives of the Métis community and poignant moments from Métis history. Furthermore, a kiosk offering traditional music and elder narrated stories; however, upon visiting the site this Saturday, Blondeau and his wife were met with a disheartening sight. The content-rich kiosk had been maliciously wiped clean, and even the tipi bore the marks of defacement with a slice cut along its side.
The floor held a specially crafted Métis infinity symbol, which bore the brunt of vandalism by being aggressively ripped out and fragmented, as elaborated by a saddened Blondeau. Trevor Green, secretary and treasurer of the association, reflected on the rich sensory experience the monument used to provide before this incident of vandalism. “You got all the senses when you would come in,” Green decries. “With the kiosk gone, it takes away from that.”
The vandalism has caught the attention of the Moosomin RCMP who confirmed that they are probing into the incident. However, they maintained discretion and didn’t comment on whether this act was driven by hate. Mike Schwain, the town’s Director of Parks and Recreation, expressed a fervent hope that this incident will serve as a lesson and lead to greater educational opportunities. “Sometimes good comes from bad,” he noted, highlighting the community’s collective dismay at the defacement of a monument they deeply revered.
In these trying times, Blondeau and the local Métis association are steadfast in their resolve to restore the defaced elements of the monument – the tipi and the kiosk, and ensure that the educational objectives of the monument are not defeated. Reemphasizing the purpose of the monument, a passionate Blondeau said, “It’s a dedication to the elders. They are your mushum and your kokum. It really makes a difference.”
