Dryden Working Circle/CKDR Files
The City of Dryden and the Working Circle are inviting you to participate in the proposed renaming of Colonization Avenue.
Local residents are encouraged to provide input as well as suggest a new name.
Cheryl Edwards and Councillor Shayne MacKinnon are both members of the Working Circle.
Edwards explains the Colonization name has such a negative impact for Indigenous people.
“It is a reminder of atrocities that have occurred with Indigenous people in the past. Specifically Residential Schools, The Sixties Scoop and other legislation that impacted on our language and culture.”
MacKinnon says changing the name aligns perfectly with the new City of Dryden Strategic Plan that focuses on improving relations with Indigenous peoples and area First Nations communities.
“I’ve been very encouraged by City Council’s response to that plan and I know that we will educate the people on Colonization Avenue as to why this is important to change.”
You can visit www.dryden.ca/workingcircle for all the information regarding the renaming recommendation process including local videos, documentaries, articles and informative brochures and resources that serve to educate everyone.
This is also where you can submit your recommendation for a new name.
MacKinnon is encouraging everyone who lives on the road to get involved.
“We’re going to have a school program. We would like the Seniors in the community and the community at large really to give us their submissions to an alternate name. Something that is respectful and dignified and is a reflection of our diverse community.”
The deadline for all submissions is March 13.
MacKinnon says they will narrow the list down to three and make a final recommendation to Council in April.
It’s at that time where Council is expected to make their final decision on the future of Colonization Avenue.
Most members and City staff have publicly voiced their strong support for a new name.
Cheryl Edwards says the plan is “To have it in place by June 21 of 2021, which is Indigenous Peoples Day. I believe this is important in terms of acknowledgment and celebration here in Dryden.”
Shayne MacKinnon adds one concern he has heard is cost but he feels costs will be very minimal, if any, to change your address on important documents.
“There may be a point of inconvenience but we think that the benefits to the community on the name change will overshadow those inconveniences. So we’re looking forward to some cooperation from the people on Colonization Avenue and indeed the community.”
Comments on the Working Circle recommendation to rename Colonization Avenue can be submitted by email at larseneault@dryden.ca or through mail:
City of Dryden
30 Van Horne Avenue
Dryden, ON
P8N 2A7
Attention: Lynn Arseneault
The deadline to provide feedback is March 13.
Working Circle Members include:
Indigenous Membership City Council and Staff Members
Cheryl Edwards Councillor Norm Bush
Lisa Kooshet Councillor Shayne MacKinnon
Lloyd Napish Councillor Michelle Price
Ted Mitchell CAO Roger Nesbitt
Neil McLeod HR Manager Jennifer Peekhaus
To hear more from Shayne MacKinnon and Cheryl Edwards, visit the Audio link below.
