Dufferin Gang Memorial Monument Project

Project Background & Objectives 

For the past eight years, the project committee has been working towards the installation of a memorial in Selkirk to honour the legacy of the Dufferin Gang. Approximately 20 to 22 members of the Dufferin Gang were Métis, making the monument an important initiative for recognizing Métis contributions and preserving local and regional history. The committee successfully raised sufficient funds to purchase a granite monument that will feature the names of all known Dufferin Gang members. The primary objective of the project was to complete the remaining stages of the memorial, including engraving, installation, and site preparation, ensuring that this important historical tribute could be publicly displayed and accessed by the community. 

The project also aimed to create a permanent place of remembrance and education, helping future generations understand the significance of the Dufferin Gang and their role in Manitoba’s history. Support for the project was demonstrated through the agreement of the Selkirk Legion Branch No. 42 to host the monument on its grounds. 

Milestones & Progress 

The project was structured around a series of key implementation activities designed to prepare the site and install the memorial. Initial work involved site preparation, including required tree removal and groundwork activities. This was followed by excavation and construction of the monument pad.  

Subsequent phases included the installation of a protective fence surrounding the monument site, estimated at one week, and the engraving and installation of the granite monument itself, expected to take an additional one to two weeks. These milestones represented the major stages necessary to move the project from planning and fundraising into implementation and completion. Throughout the project, efforts remained focused on ensuring the memorial would be installed safely, respectfully, and in a manner befitting its historical significance. 

Final Impacts & Achievements 

The project’s intended outcome was the successful installation of a permanent memorial recognizing all members of the Dufferin Gang, including the significant Métis representation among its members. By securing a location at Selkirk Legion Branch No. 42 and completing the monument planning process, the project helped preserve an important chapter of Manitoba’s heritage and create a lasting educational and commemorative resource for residents and visitors alike. 

The memorial serves as a public recognition of the Dufferin Gang’s historical legacy and provides an opportunity for community reflection, learning, and engagement with local history. The project is particularly meaningful given that only one surviving spouse of a Dufferin Gang member remained at the time of the application, underscoring the importance of capturing and preserving these connections to the past while they are still within living memory.