Image retrieved from Banff National Park, online: <http://banffnationalpark.com/banff-blog/casino-in-the-rockies-stoney-nakoda/>.
From the TRC Calls to Action:
“14. We call upon the federal government to enact an Aboriginal Languages Act that incorporates the following principles:
- Aboriginal languages are a fundamental and valued element of Canadian culture and society, and there is an urgency to preserve them.” 1
Tansi Nîtôtemtik,
As you have read in previous blog posts, Canada’s colonialist policies have led to a disconnect for many Indigenous people from their culture and language. A revitalization of Indigenous languages has slowly been underway, as was discussed in last week’s ‘In the Media’ post, a result of growing efforts made by both individuals and communities.
The Stoney Nakoda First Nation recently made further efforts to revitalize Indigenous language and culture, by applying to have a long list of Alberta towns, cities and landmarks changed to traditional Indigenous names.2 The proposed 160+ name-changes3 would improve understanding of Indigenous culture and language. Bill Snow of the Stoney Tribal Administration commented on the importance of the name-change application: "we would certainly like to see more Stoney Nakoda understanding about landscapes in general...This is really about the preservation of our language and culture." 4
Although changes to names within the province are generally rejected due to inconsistencies in mapping and navigating, the Stoney Nakoda aren’t suggesting they take away all the existing names, rather adding to what we already know about places and landscapes.5 A success resulting from this application may be simply adding a second official name for certain places, which reflect Indigenous language and understanding.
The list of proposed name-changes include:
- Calgary → Wichispa Oyade
- Canmore → Chuwapchipchiyan Kude Bi
- the Bow River → Ijathibe Wapta or Mini thni Wapta
- Spray Lakes → Horgatabi Mne or Mne thto
- the Kananaskis River → Ozade Imne Wapta or Ozade or Nikteichichiyabi Mini 6
Calgary Mayor, Naheed Nenshi, responded to the proposed name-change for Calgary, ‘Wichispa Oyade’, Stoney Nakoda terms that roughly translate to mean ‘elbow town’ and ‘a gathering of people or cultures’ 7, stating:
“As we go through the action of reconciliation — we will always have these kinds of conversations. A nation to nation relationship does not mean that one side gets everything it wants, or the other one gets everything it wants. But I love this kind of thing because it opens up a thoughtful conversation for us in terms of how we truly recognize both the history and the future that we share.”8
What do you think of the proposed name changes? Comment your thoughts below.
Until next time,
Team ReconciliAction YEG
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[1] Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (Winnipeg: Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada), 2015 at 2.
[2] CBC News, “Indigenous name changes for Alberta places is about preserving culture, language, says First Nations manager”, CBC News (15 November 2017), online: <http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/stoney-tribal-administration-alberta-calgary-names-1.4403132>.
[3] Tanya Foubert, “Geographical name changes proposed”, Rocky Mountain Outlook (16 November 2017), online: <http://www.rmoutlook.com/article/Geographical-name-changes-proposed-20171116>.
[4] Indigenous name changes, supra note 2.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Foubert, supra note 3.
[7] Indigenous name changes, supra note 2.
[8] Kaitlin Lee, “Mayor responds to request to change Calgary’s name”, 660 News (14 November 2017), online: <http://www.660news.com/2017/11/14/mayor-responds-request-change-calgarys-name/>.
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