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.
Dryden, ON, Canada / CKDR
Dec 10, 2020 7:00 AM
Dryden Council has accepted and will move forward with a recommendation that the City adopts a Traditional Land Acknowledgement Statement.
The Statement will be read before official meetings and ceremonies in Dryden.
Cheryl Edwards is the Co-Chair of the newly established Working Circle and she talks about the significance.
“Gives time for reflection and demonstrates recognition of Indigenous traditional lands, also the Treaties and the people. It involves thinking of what has happened in the past and what changes can be made going forward.”
Edwards adds “Land Acknowledgements mark a small and important step in the process of reconciliation and building a positive relationship with Indigenous people. By making a Land Acknowledgment you are taking part in an act of reconciliation.”