In 2012 the Harper government announced its intention to consolidate artifacts under the care of Parks Canada from regional centres – including a facility in Winnipeg – to Gatineau, Quebec. This includes artifacts that stretch the history of Indigenous Peoples in this land. To date, the Trudeau government has not acted to reverse this decision, which would mean that these artifacts could be moved by 2020. Work is currently underway to facilitate this process.
Our members – employees of Parks Canada - are proud of the work they do to preserve the artifacts in their care. If this decision were to move forward, it would show a serious lack of respect for Métis, First Nations and Inuit peoples in Manitoba. Moving these artifacts puts them at risk of being damaged, broken or lost, and it robs Indigenous Peoples of a significant piece of their ancestry and heritage.
The Honourable Maryann Mihycuk (Kildonan—St. Paul) has sponsored an E-Petition to reverse this decision. You can sign the petition here. Please share with your networks!