SASKATOON — The renaming of John A. MacDonald Road begins with the Cree word miyo-wâhkôhtowin chosen to be presented to the Civic Naming Committee. The City Council approved the renaming on June 28, 2021.
miyo-wâhkôhtowin is translated as "good relationship" in English and was proposed by the CNC as part of the city’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action and to acknowledge the harm done by residential schools to the survivors.
City Indigenous Initiatives Director Melissa Cote said the renaming process shows the administration is committed to raising awareness and understanding of what residential school survivors have been through and its ongoing impact on their lives.
“We recognize that John A. Macdonald, the first prime minister of Canada, played a significant role in the development of Canada’s Indian residential school system, which created and continues to create many harms for Indigenous families,” said Cote.
Significant work has been done to rename the road since the City Council’s approval two years ago, with the city meeting with Indigenous leaders, residential school survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, youth, wâhkôhtowin School teachers, the Saskatoon Intercultural Association and members of the Chinese community.
The recommended name, miyo-wâhkôhtowin, will be presented to the CNC on Aug. 1. The City Council’s Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services will meet on Aug. 9, to consider approving the recommended name.
The City Council will meet on Aug. 30 to consider the recommendation to approve the renaming and to direct a Street Name Change Bylaw. Once the Street Name Change Bylaw is approved, street signs and map changes will happen in the fall/winter of this year.
Cote said the proposed name, miyo-wâhkôhtowin, was thoughtfully and carefully chosen after listening and learning from all members of the community and the people who continue to deal with the legacy of John A. Macdonald and residential schools.
“The proposed name reflects the theme of Reconciliation and was thoughtfully and carefully chosen after listening to and learning from the community and the people that continue to be impacted by residential schools and the legacy of John A. Macdonald. Residential schools contributed to a breakdown in communities and relationships and division; good relationships will bring us together,” said Cote.
The city has engaged with John A. Macdonald property owners and residents as part of the renaming process. They met them on Wednesday night to inform them of the proposed name and provide an update on the renaming process.
The city will support property owners and residents with changing their addresses and approving associated costs. More information on access support will be available directly for property owners and residents in the upcoming months.
For more information, visit the John A. Macdonald Road webpage at saskatoon.ca/engage/renaming, which is updated with the latest news.
