Statement from Chippewas of Rama First Nation regarding the Samuel de Champlain Monument
CHIPPEWAS OF RAMA FIRST NATION (January 7, 2026) – Chief and Council of Chippewas of Rama First Nation is issuing this statement to reaffirm its position regarding the Samuel de Champlain Monument and to provide clarity to its community and the City of Orillia:
Chippewas of Rama First Nation has been clear and consistent in its position. Our Nation previously participated in formal working groups with the City of Orillia, Parks Canada, and the Huron-Wendat Nation, contributing significant time, expertise, and community input in good faith. That work has concluded. Our community has clearly expressed that it does not wish to reopen these discussions.
We are aware that the City of Orillia has engaged an Indigenous consultation group. We understand this work as the City continuing to refine its proposal, as previously requested. Should the City intend to bring forward a revised proposal related to the potential return of the monument, it must be formally presented to Chippewas of Rama First Nation leadership for consideration. As the rights holder within this territory, Chippewas of Rama First Nation has the final say on whether and how any proposal proceeds.
Chippewas of Rama First Nation will not participate in any new working groups related to the Samuel de Champlain Monument. Our community has experienced significant harm, racism, and division throughout this process, and we are not prepared to relive those impacts. Outreach to individual Chippewas of Rama First Nation leaders, staff, or community members outside of established Nation-to-Nation protocols is not appropriate and does not reflect respectful engagement.
At the same time, Chippewas of Rama First Nation recognizes the importance of all Nations respectfully staying within their roles. The Huron-Wendat Nation holds a direct historical relationship with Samuel de Champlain, and that relationship is acknowledged and respected. Chippewas of Rama First Nation, as the rights holder, remains open to dialogue with the Huron-Wendat Nation to ensure their historical connection is appropriately recognized within Anishinaabe territory. Decisions related to land, placement, and broader interpretation; however, remain the responsibility of Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
As Chippewas of Rama First Nation Chief Ted Williams has emphasized, healthy relationships require clarity, respect, and accountability.
“Reconciliation is not about revisiting harm over and over again,” he said. “It is about listening, respecting boundaries, and understanding that rights holders must be at the centre of decisions that affect their lands and their people.”
In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, which the Chippewas of Rama First Nation hold sacred, we remain open to future collaboration with the City of Orillia on artistic, cultural, and educational initiatives that are unrelated to the Samuel de Champlain Monument and that support Truth and Reconciliation in a meaningful way. What we cannot support are gestures or acts of de-reconciliation, such as reopening debate or engagement on this monument.