A controversial road in Libau, Man., is being renamed, say community leaders.
The Brokenhead Ojibway Nation and the Rural Municipality of St. Clements announced Monday that Libau’s Colonization Road will be renamed following consultation with members of both communities.
The communities said they are going about the renaming in the spirit of reconciliation and in light of recent struggles against systemic racism in Canada and around the world.
“This conversation isn’t new,” said Brokenhead Chief Deborah Smith.
“First Nations across Canada have regularly expressed frustration with colonial statues — recently the public outcry for the removal of the statue of Canada’s first prime minister because of his significant role in building church-run Indian residential schools that attempted to assimilate Indigenous children into Western society.”
RM of St. Clements Mayor Debbie Fiebelkorn said it’s important the communities work together to recognize the negative role colonialism and colonial symbols have played in local history.
Get daily National news
“It’s important we understand the impact these symbols have and recognize the negative impact of colonialism,” she said.
- ‘Pattern of behaviour’: Rath faces mounting questions over First Nation trusts
- ‘Proven treatment’: B.C. boy’s family pleads with province to fund international care
- Resident remains in Granville Street SRO past deadline to move out
- Alberta First Nation sues Ottawa over $5 treaty annuity, argues amount stuck in 1899
“We’d like to establish a process of collaborative leadership and seek consultation to have meaningful dialogue on a difficult topic such as this.”
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.