St. Marks War Memorial Statue Rejuvenation
Project Background & Objectives The St. Marks War Memorial Statue Rejuvenation project preserves an important Red River Métis war memorial that had become severely deteriorated after more than 100 years of exposure to Manitoba’s climate. Erosion of the sandstone monument had made portions of the inscriptions unreadable and created safety concerns for visitors. The project was undertaken to preserve the history and sacrifices of Métis veterans, ensure their contributions are permanently recognized, and provide an opportunity to add the names of Métis veterans who were not included on the original monument.
Project Background & Objectives
The St. Marks War Memorial Statue Rejuvenation project preserves an important Red River Métis war memorial that had become severely deteriorated after more than 100 years of exposure to Manitoba’s climate. Erosion of the sandstone monument had made portions of the inscriptions unreadable and created safety concerns for visitors. The project was undertaken to preserve the history and sacrifices of Métis veterans, ensure their contributions are permanently recognized, and provide an opportunity to add the names of Métis veterans who were not included on the original monument.
Milestones & Progress
Initially, the cemetery committee explored repairing and stabilizing the monument with a cement support wall and granite plaques. However, an inspection by a stone mason determined that the sandstone was beyond repair and that these measures would only provide a temporary solution while potentially accelerating further deterioration.
As a result, the project's scope shifted from restoration to full replacement. Two granite replacement options were developed, including a full-scale replica of the original obelisk and a smaller granite version. Both options provided a permanent solution to erosion while allowing additional veteran names to be added.
Final Impacts & Achievements
The project was successfully completed with the installation of a permanent granite memorial that preserves the names and legacy of Red River Métis veterans while eliminating the safety risks posed by the deteriorating sandstone monument. The new memorial provides long term protection against erosion and ensures that the contributions and sacrifices of Métis veterans remain visible and accessible for future generations
The completed monument strengthens public awareness of Métis military contributions and creates a lasting, durable tribute that honors both the veterans commemorated on the original memorial and those whose names have now been added. By preserving this important historical site, the project ensures that the stories and sacrifices of Red River Métis veterans will continue to be recognized and remembered for generations to come.
