The name Big Chief Road is no more.
It was recently renamed Woods Bay Road, chosen by the Township of Severn and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
The move comes after Rama Chief Ted Williams sent a letter to Severn council in March 2022, asking that the road be renamed.
Severn and Rama councils then approved the new name, after Severn consulted affected residents.
“Removing problematic place names is necessary for reconciliation and can actually contribute to a better sense of history and community,” Severn Mayor Mike Burkett said in a news release. “I’m proud to be part of a council and to live in a community that is becoming increasingly educated about how we can contribute to the goal of reconciliation. This continues to be a learning experience for Severn, and as we build our relationship with Rama First Nation, we look forward to doing so with respect, patience and courtesy.”
Williams said Rama was grateful for Severn’s response “in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect.
“Reconciliation creates momentum for relationship building and cultural education as change is undertaken. We are seeing the results of positive public dialogue as issues regarding language use are resolved throughout the country,” he said. “Gchi miigwech, thank you, to Severn Township and the residents of Woods Bay Road for supporting this initiative.”
The new road sign was installed Wednesday.
“... With this, Severn joins municipalities across Canada that have begun to recognize how colonialism and discrimination are embedded in the names of public and municipal assets,” the news release stated, referring to the renaming of the road as “a small step in a long but important journey toward reconciliation.”
Burkett encourages those in Severn to “support Indigenous peoples by contacting their member of Parliament and member of provincial parliament to ensure they and their offices are committed to fulfilling the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”
