Simon Fraser

About the artwork

This is a cast bronze bust of the fur trader and explorer, Simon Fraser. Sculpted in the round, it features his head and shoulders. Behind him is the river that bears his name.

The monument was originally erected by the Native Sons of B.C. and was unveiled by Sir Richard McBride in 1908. The sculpture was created to commemorate the controversial discovery voyage down the river by Simon Fraser in 1808. On May 29,1998 it was relocated to its current location to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Fraser River Harbour Commission. In 1999, the name of the Commission was changed to the Fraser River Port Authority.

The artist, Louis-Phillipe Hebert (1850-1917), was a prominent Quebec-based sculptor who created many monumental bronzes across Canada.

Read more critical texts about this artwork, Simon Fraser and his efforts to dispossess lands from Indigenous peoples:

A Brief Decolonized History of Simon FraserMaddie Leach: Lowering of Simon Fraser

Land Acknowledgement

We recognise and respect that New Westminster is on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halkomelem speaking peoples. We acknowledge that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land. As a City, we are learning and building relationships with the people whose lands we are on.

This is a living statement that will evolve as relationships continue to develop with the local First Nations.

The City of New Westminster acknowledges its history of violence against the First Peoples of this land and is embracing and prioritizing reconciliation with local First Nations and the urban Indigenous community.Learn more about the City's actions to date around reconciliation here.