Colonization Avenue signs gone for good. Blank Productions. Screenshot
A historic day for the City of Dryden as the name Colonization Avenue is no more.
The street is officially now known as Boozhoo and Memorial Avenues.
A virtual Dedication Ceremony was held Monday morning to kick-off National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Councillor Norm Bush took part and stressed this is the first major accomplishment for the Working Circle.
“Work to bring the Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of our community closer together through common initiatives and common understanding. Part of that understanding was reflecting on the things that were offensive to other members of our community.”
Councillor Shayne MacKinnon is Co-Chair of the volunteer organization.
He says, “The dedication of new Avenue names being Boozhoo and Memorial is a great day for our community. I find it very satisfying that we’re are not changing history but rather we are making history! I believe everyone in Dryden can be proud to be a witness to this important event.”
Cheryl Edwards is the other Co-Chair.
She says, “I believe with the blessing of these signs that we have started out in a very good way, in an honest way, and we look forward to the dedication of these signs in moving forward in our history in a more positive way.”
Edwards says she’s looking forward to many more changes to improve the relationship between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples.
You can watch the virtual ceremony courtesy of Trevor Gauthier at Blank Productions at Colonization Street Renaming
Here is the background behind the history of Colonization Avenue and its impact on community members:
