After extensive community consultation, a naming committee has shortlisted four names as potentials for the new North Commuter Parkway Bridge.
Chief Mistawasis, Louis Riel, Waniskâ and Wîcîhitowin are the options.
Over 460 people submitted suggestions when the City of Saskatoon asked people for ideas. All names had to acknowledge an Aboriginal historical event or figure or embody the spirit of the community.
It’s an answer to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action number 79, suggesting Aboriginal peoples’ history and contributions to Canada are commemorated.
“Saskatoon leads the way,” Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand said. “I’m proud of the city, the mayor and the council for stepping up and having inclusion of First Nations and Métis people.”
Names that didn’t make the shortlist will now be added to the city’s inventory for future use on structures or streets in Saskatoon.
The day was marked with Métis fiddling, traditional drumming, prayers and smudging at Roxy Theatre. The significance of the announcement was not lost on the dozens of students who attended Tuesday’s announcement.
“They need to understand that they have a voice in all of this,” Arcand said. “To be part of something significant, I call this a history making day.”
Shirley Isbister is one of five people on the naming committee and hopes to see the community weigh in on the four options.
“From that process there will be a name selected. We will follow traditional way and the elders will take that name to ceremony,” Isbister explained.
The bridge is set to open in October.
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