The City of Gatineau has reinstalled a statue of Samuel de Champlain, a 17th-century French explorer and founder of Quebec City, nearly a decade after its removal for maintenance.

The monument, relocated to the parc de la Francophonie, has sparked debate over colonial symbols amid broader discussions about historical memorials across Canada.

Indigenous leaders, such as Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg First Nation, criticized the decision, stating their community was not consulted and emphasizing that Champlain's achievements were facilitated by Indigenous guidance.

The statue, originally erected in 2004 to commemorate Champlain’s voyages along the Ottawa River, was moved due to downtown construction in 2016 and stored for nearly a decade.

While historians like Michel Prévost praised Champlain’s role in European exploration, others argue that the monument overlooks Indigenous contributions and perpetuates colonial narratives.Similar debates are unfolding in cities like Orillia, Ontario, where local councils grapple with the fate of their own Champlain statues.

Gatineau’s decision to relocate the statue without public fanfare highlights tensions between historical recognition and contemporary reconciliation efforts.