Winnipeg unveils historical marker honouring victims of 1972 crash

The City of Winnipeg unveils a historical marker commemorating victims of a plane crash that occurred in the city on June 24, 1972.

The plane, which was carrying eight students attending residential schools in Stonewall and Portage la Prairie, was bound for Bunibonibee Cree Nation when it crashed in a vacant lot between 426 and 430 Linwood St. in Winnipeg. The pilot and the students did not survive the crash. 

“This is something we have commemorated for 52 years in our community. We have never taken a break from honouring the lost youth. It truly was the most devastating day in our community,” said Chief Richard Hart, Bunibonibee Cree Nation.

“The devastating plane crash that claimed the lives of young people from our Nation is forever etched in our hearts and minds. Particularly heartbreaking is that we will never know how greatly these young people could’ve impacted our world if they were still with us today. The families and our community hope the permanent memorial will serve as a reminder to everyone that these young people are loved and will never be forgotten.”

The monument has been permanently installed along the Yellow Ribbon Greenway Trail near Silver Avenue at Linwood Street.

“It has been our privilege to collaborate with the residents of Bunibonibee Cree Nation, the City of Winnipeg, and Dr. Niigaan Sinclair in telling this important story and honoring these nine individuals,” said Terry Slobodian, RAMWC President and Chief Executive Officer.

“The unveiling of this monument and park has been over two years in the making, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who worked alongside us to bring this vision to life. Today marks a historic milestone in our shared journey toward reconciliation.”

The request to create this monument was submitted by the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada and ultimately approved by city council.

“It’s more than a story of a tragic plane crash. This is the story of Canada’s history. This is the story of residential schools. This is the story that must be told to future generations,” explained Mayor Scott Gillingham.

“This monument will honour their memory and help ensure their stories are not forgotten as we continue our shared journey toward healing and reconciliation.”