Outrage and Heartache: MMIWG2S Memorial Crosses Removed from Kitchener Park

A wave of profound sadness and outrage has swept through the Indigenous community in Kitchener following the controversial removal of memorial crosses honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) from Victoria Park. What was intended as a poignant and vital tribute to countless lives lost, tragically became a symbol of a deep-seated lack of understanding and cultural sensitivity, sparking a renewed call for respect and reconciliation.

The display, featuring dozens of small wooden crosses, was carefully erected by Indigenous community members in early May.

Each cross represented a life, a story, a family forever changed by the MMIWG2S crisis, a national tragedy that continues to demand urgent attention. Led by figures such as Lori Campbell, the associate vice-president of Indigenous engagement at the University of Waterloo, the memorial served as both a place of remembrance and a powerful educational tool, designed to raise awareness and foster a space for healing until mid-June.

However, the serene purpose of the memorial was abruptly interrupted around May 24th or 25th when city staff, citing "standard operating procedure," dismantled and removed the crosses.

The City of Kitchener initially defended its actions, stating the display was an "unauthorized personal item" that was damaged and removed for safety reasons. They also pointed to a formal permit process required for official displays, a process the community members were not aware was necessary for this deeply personal and spiritual tribute.

The community's reaction was swift and heartbroken.

For many, the sight of the crosses being treated as mere "garbage" — as poignantly expressed by Lori Campbell — was not just an administrative oversight but a painful echo of the systemic disregard and dehumanization faced by Indigenous peoples. "These are human beings, not garbage," Campbell stressed, articulating the raw grief and frustration felt by those who saw the memorial as an extension of their collective identity and a sacred space for their lost loved ones.

The MMIWG2S crisis is not a distant issue; it is a lived reality for many Indigenous families across Canada.

The casual removal of a memorial dedicated to this crisis is seen as a profound disrespect, undermining efforts towards truth and reconciliation. It highlighted a chasm in understanding between municipal bureaucracy and the deeply spiritual and cultural significance of such a display for the Indigenous community.

In the wake of widespread condemnation and an outpouring of concern, the City of Kitchener issued a public apology.

Admitting to a "misunderstanding" and acknowledging the "insensitivity" of their actions, the city committed to reaching out to Indigenous community leaders. They expressed a desire to understand the situation more deeply, prevent similar incidents in the future, and offered to assist in reinstating the powerful memorial.

This incident, while distressing, has opened a crucial dialogue.

Community leaders and city officials are now engaged in discussions, striving to find a respectful and enduring way to honour MMIWG2S in Victoria Park and other public spaces. The hope is that this painful experience will ultimately lead to greater cultural competency within city operations and foster a more inclusive and understanding environment for all residents, ensuring that the voices and stories of Indigenous peoples are not only heard but deeply respected.