Chief Mistawasis, Louis Riel, Waniskâ and Wîcîhitowin have been shortlisted as the new names for Saskatoon’s North Commuter Parkway Bridge.
Waniskâ is a Cree word meaning “to arise” and Wîcîhitowin is a Cree word meaning “to help mutually” or “the act of helping one another.”
The names were unveiled today by the NCP Bridge Naming Committee at an event at the Roxy Theatre.
“In naming the bridge, it shows our commitment to answering the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the process of reconciliation,” said Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief, Mark Arcand.
“We are all committed to a better future, and we value everyone’s participation. Reconciliation is about understanding the past and choosing to build a better future. It’s about respecting each other and building trust.”
Feedback on the names is now being collected by the committee and at public events scheduled throughout the city.
The NCP Bridge Naming Committee consists of community leaders from the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, Saskatoon Tribal Council and Central Urban Métis Federation.
The deadline to give feedback is March 31.
(PHOTO: Bridge rendering. Photo courtesy of the City of Saskatoon.)