A set of interpretive panels honouring Treaty No. 20 and the Williams Treaties First Nations has been vandalized in Peterborough’s Millennium Park.
The Nogojiwanong Project panels were defaced sometime before city staff visited the site Wednesday. By then, the graffiti had already been cleaned up by community members.
In a statement, Mayor Jeff Leal said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the recent vandalism of the Nogojiwanong Project panels at Millennium Park, interpretive signs that honour the 200th anniversary of the signing of Rice Lake Treaty No. 20 and the enduring presence of the Williams Treaties First Nations in this region.”
He called the vandalism “a painful reminder of the work still needed to advance truth, understanding, and reconciliation in our community,” especially during National Indigenous History Month.
“These panels are more than signs, they are a reflection of the stories, rights, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples,” Leal added.
He thanked those who removed the graffiti “with care and respect,” calling them “true allies.”
Millennium Park is also home to The Gathering, a public artwork by Anishinaabe artist Michael Belmore that encourages reflection and connection.
“Let us use this moment as a call to action,” said Leal, “to learn more, to speak out against hate, and to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities not only this month, but always.”
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
