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Organizers of the Edmonton Corn Maze have issued an apology online for their design commemorating the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s (RCMP) 150th Anniversary.
Designers of the popular summer and fall attraction, located on Maskekosihk Trail just southwest of Edmonton, have unveiled a new maze every year since 2001, with the Edmonton Elks being featured last year and others honoured in years past including the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation in 2019, and Edmonton-based video game company, Bioware, in 2017.
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This year’s design is meant to commemorate the RCMP’s 150th Anniversary with the 150 logo etched into the corn maze alongside a Mountie saluting.
“The RCMP has played a vital role in shaping Canadian history, and this corn maze presents an excellent opportunity for locals and visitors alike to commemorate their invaluable contributions,” organizers wrote on their website after unveiling the design.
However, on Friday, organizers released a statement to their Facebook page apologizing for the design.
“We understand that the RCMP has caused hurt and distress to various communities including Indigenous Peoples and people of colour, and for that, we sincerely regret any pain our design may have triggered,” the statement reads.
“At the time of creating the design, our intention was not to overlook or downplay the concerns associated with the RCMP. Moving forward, we commit to being more thoughtful in our design decisions, ensuring that they resonate positively with all members of our community.”