MMF and Partners Rededicate World War I Memorial Statue on Vimy Ridge Day

April 9, 2026

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, at the Brookside Cemetery in the Field of Honour, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, along with its partners the City of Winnipeg, the Bank of Montreal (BMO), and the Royal Canadian Legion, recognized Vimy Ridge Day and rededicated the BMO's World War I memorial statue.

The Victory of Vimy Ridge was one of the most pivotal moments in Canadian history during the First World War. On April 9, 1917, four Canadian divisions stormed the ridge with more than 15,000 infantries. After four days of battle, the Canadian divisions delivered a final victory, but at a heavy cost. The battle for Vimy Ridge saw 3,598 Canadians killed, with another 7,000 wounded.

"The Red River Métis cherish and honour all who have served and will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice," said Shawn Nault, MMF's Minister for Red River Métis Veterans. "The Victory of Vimy Ridge served as both a moment of national pride for Canadians as well as a source of international recognition. However, knowing that two thirds of the Canadians who entered the battle were either killed or injured, we know this battle took a heavy toll for the families who sent their loved ones to fight. For all these reasons, it is an event that must remain in the Canadian consciousness."

Given the redevelopment in the area where the statue previously resided, the City of Winnipeg and the MMF agreed to find a more suitable home for the statue. On October 3, they concluded there was no better place than the Field of Honour in Brookside Cemetery, one of the largest military cemeteries in Canada. The MMF and its partners worked in close collaboration to ensure the relocation was done with mindfulness and respect.

"Locating this memorial in Brookside Cemetery places it among fellow heroes in a space devoted to reflection and remembrance," said Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham. "This is the final resting place for over 10,000 Veterans and service members, making it a deeply meaningful home for this statue. I'm grateful to the MMF, BMO, and all our partners for ensuring this piece of our history is preserved for generations to come."

The statue was originally erected in September of 1923 by BMO, in memory of the 231 staff members of BMO who gave their lives during World War I. The model for the statue was the late Captain Wynn Bagnall, a member of BMO's Winnipeg Main Branch who served in the 58th Field Artillery.

"We give our respect to the Bank of Montreal and their efforts to recognize their fallen employees through this monument," said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. "That the BMO as an institution commissioned this statue to honour their employees speaks volumes to the heavy toll this battle had on all Canadians - those on the home front, those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who came home broken and haunted by everything they witnessed and experienced. This includes people like Philip Godon, MMF Minister Will Goodon's great-uncle, of the 78th Battalion, Winnipeg Grenadiers and a proud Red River Métis man. He, unlike the people resting here in the Field of Honour, never made it home and remains buried in foreign soil. We will always honour our own Red River Métis Veterans and all Veterans, no matter who they were or where they came from."

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For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

Colin Fast
Director of Communications
Office of the Mayor, City of Winnipeg
204-803-6406
cfast@winnipeg.ca

Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the democratically elected National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis. The Red River Métis are a distinct Indigenous Nation and People and Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

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