Following complaints from Kahnawake Mohawks, the Bank of Montreal is asking the provincial government for permission to change two historical plaques about the founder of Montreal.

The plaques on a building on St. Jacques St., facing Notre Dame Basilica, celebrates the victory by Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve over the Iroquois in March 1644.

Engraved in stone, in English and French, the plaques read: Near this square afterwards named La Place D'Armes the founders of Ville-Marie first encountered the Iroquois whom they defeated Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve killing the chief with his own hands. March 1644.

Historians have long known about the plaques, with many Mohawks objecting to them, and the plaques were recently brought to the attention of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake.

Spokesperson Joe Delaronde said the plaques portray a terrible version of history.

"The wording is horrible and and it was written at a time when there was a different understanding of what was acceptable, and maybe that's a sign of the times, and that it should be changed," said Delaronde.

The Bank of Montreal has owned the building in question since 1983, and is taking steps to have the plaques altered.

"Since the building is located in the declared heritage site of Old Montreal, any alteration to the building must be authorized by the Quebec Ministry of Culture and communications," said a bank spokesperson

There is not yet any idea what a replacement plaque should state..