The following is a statement issued by Chief Ted Williams and council of Rama First Nation:
Chief and Council of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation were surprised to learn, through social media, that the Samuel de Champlain Monument had been returned to Couchiching Beach Park without any communication or notification to Rama First Nation.
Rama First Nation was not informed of this decision, nor were we involved in any discussions regarding the monument’s return. We have since learned that a number of City of Orillia departments and staff, including parks, facilities, and planning staff, were similarly unaware of how or when this action took place.
Throughout this process, Rama First Nation and its community members have experienced moments of harm, racism, and division. As previously stated publicly, discussions surrounding the Champlain Monument have had a profound impact on many within our community, reopening painful conversations tied to colonialism, representation, and reconciliation.
In 2018, Rama participated in extensive discussions and formal working groups in good faith, contributing considerable time, expertise, and community input with the understanding that respectful processes and dialogue would be followed.
Our community made it clear that it did not wish to reopen these discussions or relive the experiences that came with them. To have the monument returned in this manner, without notice, disregards not only Rama First Nation’s clearly stated position as the rights holder within this territory, but also the very real harm this process has caused to our people.
Actions taken outside of established processes undermine trust and damage relationships. Orillia’s approach to reconciliation with Rama First Nation has too often placed the burden on us.
The emotional work of colonial and racial healing does not rest solely with leadership at the City of Orillia, but is also the personal responsibility of individual citizens. The comment sections attached to multiple OrilliaMatters articles continue to be inappropriate, unacceptable, and only serve to invite conflict while perpetuating racism and hatred.
Similar commentary circulating across social media platforms has also been deeply harmful to members of our community and has further contributed to division and hostility surrounding this issue.
Reconciliation requires more than public statements. It requires transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to respectful dialogue, especially when decisions directly impact Indigenous communities.
Chief and Council recognize and understand the anger and hurt many of our community members are feeling following the monument’s return and the manner in which it occurred. Those emotions are tied to a process that has caused significant pain for many people within our community.
However, understanding that hurt does not mean Chief and Council condone acts of vandalism or damage to property. We continue to call for respectful dialogue, transparency, and accountability.
We understand this issue will be discussed at an upcoming City of Orillia Council meeting. Clarity regarding how this decision was made, who authorized it, and why Rama First Nation, the Huron-Wendat, and the City of Orillia were not informed prior to the monument being returned, is deserved.
This statement reflects the official position of Chief and Council on behalf of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.