The Planning Development and Community Services meeting had to be paused this morning , during the discussion about renaming John A. Macdonald Road to miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road. All residents who had requested to speak were heard and Councillors had the opportunity to question them, and then during the statements among the committee members segment, a woman who is against the renaming wanted to ask questions. She was denied, with Chair of the meeting, Troy Davies, saying it is not their process and she had previous opportunities in this meeting and past meetings which she took advantage of and she would have a chance again when it comes before City Council. She continued to speak and interrupt, and was then escorted out of the chambers.

Indigenous Initiatives Director, Melissa Cote, explained at the meeting that Canada’s first prime minister played a significant role in the development of Canada’s Indian residential school system which created and continues to create many harms for Indigenous families. The Committee approved the name miyo-wâhkôhtowin be added to the Names Master List and be endorsed as the new name for John A Macdonald Road. It still has to go before City Council, and then if passed, through Information Services Corporation to be registered.

One of the residents who had requested to speak, Elder Roland Duquette, explained that the name means good relationship in Cree, but it goes beyond that. He says when you are a relative you love that person, that community, or that territory It’s more of a global view of a relationship which includes people, the community and the land. He believes we need the understanding so we can reconcile the relationships.

Another speaker suggested the process needs to start over, because there wasn’t enough engagement with people who live in the community. The Renaming Advisory Committee included First Nation and Metis Elders, Survivors and youth, a representative of the Confederation Park Community Association, a resident of John A Macdonald Road, teachers from the wâhkôhtowin School, representatives from the Chinese community and a representative of the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association.

If you aren’t sure how to pronounce the name, here it is:  miyo-wâhkôhtowin = meeyo wah KOE tuh WIN