Winnipeg, MB – Today, the City of Winnipeg, along with representatives from the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada (RAMWC) and members of the Bunibonibee Cree Nation unveiled a monument to commemorate victims of a plane crash that occurred on June 24, 1972. Rosie Weenusk, the only living parent of a student killed in the crash, was also present for the unveiling.
The plane, carrying eight students attending residential schools in Stonewall and Portage la Prairie, was bound for Bunibonibee Cree Nation when it crashed in a vacant lot between 426 and 430 Linwood St. in Winnipeg. The pilot and students did not survive the crash.
“The devastating plane crash that claimed the lives of young people from our Nation is forever etched in our hearts and minds. Particularly heartbreaking is that we will never know how greatly these young people could’ve impacted our world if they were still with us today, said Chief Richard Hart, Bunibonibee Cree Nation. “The families and our community hope the permanent memorial will serve as a reminder to everyone that these young people are loved and will never be forgotten.”
The request to create this monument was submitted by the RAMWC through the Welcoming Winnipeg process, and was ultimately approved by City Council.
“It is important we remember the tragic loss of these young lives and the deep impact it has had on the families, the Bunibonibee Cree Nation, and all those connected to this tragedy,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This monument will honour their memory and help ensure their stories are not forgotten as we continue our shared journey toward healing and reconciliation.”
The monument has been permanently installed along the Yellow Ribbon Greenway Trail near Silver Avenue at Linwood Street.
“It has been our privilege to collaborate with the residents of Bunibonibee Cree Nation, the City of Winnipeg, and Dr. Niigaan Sinclair in telling this important story and honoring these nine individuals,” said Terry Slobodian, RAMWC President and Chief Executive Officer. “The unveiling of this monument and park has been over two years in the making, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who worked alongside us to bring this vision to life. Today marks a historic milestone in our shared journey toward reconciliation.”
The Welcoming Winnipeg: Reconciling Our History Policy was developed to guide the City in making decisions regarding requests to create new, add to, or remove/rename historical markers and place names and resolve the absence of Indigenous perspectives, experiences and contributions in the stories remembered and commemorated.