Gimli council passed a bylaw last week to remove the name Colonization from four roads in the municipality and further the municipality’s commitment to reconciliation with its Indigenous and Metis residents.
Council unanimously passed Bylaw no. 23-007 on Sept. 25. The re-naming of the roads comes after council and previous council embarked on a process to remove the word Colonization, which is considered offensive to Indigenous and Metis people.
“Our history is built on the strong relationship between the Indigenous and Metis people and our community,” said Mayor Kevin Chudd and councillors Thora Palson, Andy Damm, Richard Petrowski and Kurt Reichert in a statement. “It’s our responsibility to continuously foster these relationships. Changing these street names is just one step in our ongoing journey of reconciliation, learning and growth.”
Colonization Road in Arnes has been renamed Ramsay Road in memory of John and Betsey Ramsay. John Ramsay was a member of the Saulteaux Aboriginal band. He and his wife Betsey and family assisted the first Icelandic settlers to New Iceland, helping them survive the harsh winter of 1875. The family provided food, taught the Icelanders how to build log cabins and taught them how to hunt and fish.
“It’s [the renaming] a small act that will serve as a daily reminder to the story of John and Betsey Ramsay,” said council in its statement.
South Colonization Road in Gimli’s South Beach neighbourhood has been renamed South Beach Road. North Colonization Road in Gimli’s Loni Beach neighbourhood has been renamed Loni Beach Road. And Colonization Close in Loni Beach has been renamed to North 6th Avenue.
