Winnipeg, MB – Visitors to Sergeant Tommy Prince Place can now learn the legacy of the building’s namesake through a series of interpretive displays unveiled today.
The displays tell the story of Sergeant Tommy Prince at each stage of his life – from being uprooted from his home and sent to a residential school as a child, to demonstrating outstanding skill, bravery, and leadership during several key battles over three tours of duty, to his later life, where he endured the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and racism while simultaneously advocating for increased opportunities for Indigenous peoples.
“My father was not a selfish man – he would rather praise the men of his unit than take praise himself, he’d give his last dollar to someone in need, and he worked hard for Indigenous Manitobans,” said Tommy Prince Jr.
"Through these displays, we pay tribute to the indomitable spirit of Sergeant Tommy Prince – a hero whose unwavering courage and selflessness continue to inspire generations of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “May his legacy endure, and his sacrifices never be forgotten."
Anikó Szabó designed the installation, with contributions from the Prince family, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, the City of Winnipeg Archives, Manitoba Archives, and City of Winnipeg Heritage Officer, Murray Peterson.
“The racism and trauma that Sergeant Tommy Prince suffered from was an all too common experience for many Indigenous Veterans who have since passed away,” said Ross Eadie, Councillor for Mynarski. “Today’s unveiling recalls the adage that we must remember the sacrifices of our veterans, lest we forget. These displays will serve as that reminder for all generations of Winnipeggers.”
“The courage Sergeant Tommy Prince demonstrated – on the battlefield and through his advocacy for Indigenous peoples – cemented him as a national icon and hero,” said Vivian Santos, Councillor for Point Douglas. “It is my hope that visitors to the facility will appreciate the efforts made by Sergeant Tommy Prince, and be reminded of the resiliency that Indigenous peoples have here in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I am truly honored to participate in this act of reconciliation together with the Mayor and my Council colleagues – through which we’ll learn the truth about our past, honour the strength of Sergeant Tommy Prince and other Indigenous Veterans, and continue to move forward in our healing journey of reconciliation.”
In July 2017, City Council unanimously voted to rename the North Centennial Recreation and Leisure Facility to Sergeant Tommy Prince Place, to commemorate Sergeant Tommy Prince’s heroism and legacy. Ongoing commemorative work continued between 2018 and 2021, during which time the City developed the concept to install the interpretive displays.