The City of Edmonton has decided not to install artwork commissioned as part of the Walterdale Bridge replacement project because it is not considered inclusive to all Edmontonians..The artwork, "The Buffalo" and the "Buffalo Fur Trader" features two 13-foot bronze sculptures intended to highlight the history and impact of the fur trade in Edmonton..The City’s decision rests on the potential for the artwork to be misinterpreted as a celebration of colonization.."While some audiences may find the artwork thought provoking, for others it may cause harm and induce painful memories. For this reason, it is not considered inclusive to all Edmontonians," the City of Edmonton stated..City admin has directed the Edmonton Arts Council to begin the process to remove the work from the Edmonton Public Art Collection. The artwork, by artist Ken Lum, was commissioned through the City’s Percent for Art Program in 2010..It is unclear how much the artwork costed..According to the City of Edmonton, the area north of the bridge, Rossdale, is an important location for the city and to indigenous peoples. It is protected by law as a historic cemetery/burial ground (Traditional Burial Grounds and Fort Edmonton Cemetery), and is one of the most historically rich sites in Alberta..Throughout the process, the City and the Edmonton Arts Council are acting from the principle of “do no harm.” As previous discussions around the Government Centre LRT Station murals demonstrated, what matters is the immediate impact the artwork can have on the community..Rossdale’s historical and cultural significance will continue to inform the City’s work over the coming years.."Engagement on projects such as the River Crossing Heritage Interpretive Plan, the River Crossing Business Plan, and the Touch the Water Promenade continue planning for the future of Edmonton that reflects the history of the land, and its continued significance to many indigenous and non-indigenous communities," the City of Edmonton stated..This is what the Western Standard is up againstThe Trudeau government is funding lies and propaganda by directly subsidizing the mainstream media. They do this to entrench the powerful Eastern, woke and corrupt interests that dominate the political, social and economic institutions in Canada. Federal authorities are constantly trying to censor us and stop us from publishing the stories that they don’t want you to read. Ottawa may weaponize our taxes and police against us, but we’ve got a powerful ally on our side.You. Free men, and free women. We need you to stand with us and become a member of the Western Standard. Here’s what you will get for your membership:Unlimited access to all articles from the Western Standard, Alberta Report, West Coast Standard, and Saskatchewan Standard, with no paywall. Our daily newsletter delivered to your inbox. .Access to exclusive Member-only WS events.Keep the West’s leading independent media voice strong and free.If you can, please support us with a monthly or annual membership. It takes just a moment to set up, and you will be making a big impact on keeping one the last independent media outlets in Canada free from Ottawa’s corrupting influence.
The City of Edmonton has decided not to install artwork commissioned as part of the Walterdale Bridge replacement project because it is not considered inclusive to all Edmontonians..The artwork, "The Buffalo" and the "Buffalo Fur Trader" features two 13-foot bronze sculptures intended to highlight the history and impact of the fur trade in Edmonton..The City’s decision rests on the potential for the artwork to be misinterpreted as a celebration of colonization.."While some audiences may find the artwork thought provoking, for others it may cause harm and induce painful memories. For this reason, it is not considered inclusive to all Edmontonians," the City of Edmonton stated..City admin has directed the Edmonton Arts Council to begin the process to remove the work from the Edmonton Public Art Collection. The artwork, by artist Ken Lum, was commissioned through the City’s Percent for Art Program in 2010..It is unclear how much the artwork costed..According to the City of Edmonton, the area north of the bridge, Rossdale, is an important location for the city and to indigenous peoples. It is protected by law as a historic cemetery/burial ground (Traditional Burial Grounds and Fort Edmonton Cemetery), and is one of the most historically rich sites in Alberta..Throughout the process, the City and the Edmonton Arts Council are acting from the principle of “do no harm.” As previous discussions around the Government Centre LRT Station murals demonstrated, what matters is the immediate impact the artwork can have on the community..Rossdale’s historical and cultural significance will continue to inform the City’s work over the coming years.."Engagement on projects such as the River Crossing Heritage Interpretive Plan, the River Crossing Business Plan, and the Touch the Water Promenade continue planning for the future of Edmonton that reflects the history of the land, and its continued significance to many indigenous and non-indigenous communities," the City of Edmonton stated..This is what the Western Standard is up againstThe Trudeau government is funding lies and propaganda by directly subsidizing the mainstream media. They do this to entrench the powerful Eastern, woke and corrupt interests that dominate the political, social and economic institutions in Canada. Federal authorities are constantly trying to censor us and stop us from publishing the stories that they don’t want you to read. Ottawa may weaponize our taxes and police against us, but we’ve got a powerful ally on our side.You. Free men, and free women. We need you to stand with us and become a member of the Western Standard. Here’s what you will get for your membership:Unlimited access to all articles from the Western Standard, Alberta Report, West Coast Standard, and Saskatchewan Standard, with no paywall. Our daily newsletter delivered to your inbox. .Access to exclusive Member-only WS events.Keep the West’s leading independent media voice strong and free.If you can, please support us with a monthly or annual membership. It takes just a moment to set up, and you will be making a big impact on keeping one the last independent media outlets in Canada free from Ottawa’s corrupting influence.
