One of Saskatoon’s newest bridges will be named after a visionary northern plains Indigenous leader.
A steering committee is recommending the North Commuter Parkway Bridge be named after Chief Mistawasis.
Mayor Charlie Clark made the announcement Thursday as part of the city’s celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day and the call to action made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
“The process to bring us to this day has been one of learning and growth,” Clark said in a statement.
“Reconciliation is a journey, and it is a journey that the City of Saskatoon is dedicated to continuing as we seek to bridge the divides within our community.”
Mistawasis, who was also known as Pierre Belanger, played a major role in Treaty 6 negotiations in 1876.
“Prior to, and following Treaty No. 6, Chief Mistawasis was a bridge to changing times between people, communities and Nations,” Mistawasis Nêhiyawak Chief Daryl Watson said in a statement.
“Today, Mistawasis Nêhiyawak follows Chief Mistawasis’ legacy and belief in treaties, partnerships, alliances, friendships in sharing territories and all that Creator provides for us all.”
The story of Mistawasis’ role in moving Treaty 6 forward and his vision of the future will be part of an educational campaign that will be set up by the Mistawasis Nêhiyawak community.
Chief Mistawasis was one of over 400 names submitted to the naming committee, which was shortlisted down to four choices.
The final recommendation will go to city council in August for formal approval.
The bridge is expected to open to traffic in October.