Time for ChangeThe renaming ofColonization Avenuein Dryden

A move towardsreconciliation

30 Van Horne Avenue, Dryden, Ontario P8N 2A7, Phone: (807) 223-1147https://www.dryden.ca/

Contact the City of Dryden

How do we change a name

The Municipal Asset Naming Policy lays out aframework for changing a street name. Itstates a name should "portray a strongpositive image of the City of Dryden" and notbe "discriminatory or derogatory".

The Working Circle has examined the policyand will make an application to the City for aname change. If City Council approves theapplication, the City will provide PublicConsultation of its intention to rename anexisting street, allowing sixty (60) days forPublic Notice, after which Council will make adecision on renaming Colonization Avenue. Ifapproved, Council will then decide on a newname from those proposed.

It is our hope that everyone becomesinvolved with the consultation process andtakes part in either supporting a name thathas been proposed or suggesting a newname.

What would a name changemean for those living onColonization

If the name of Colonization Avenue ischanged, it would mean that residents wouldneed to change their addresses bycontacting a number of services including;Services Ontario (to change their Drivers,License, Health Card, Outdoors Card andVehicle Registration), Canada RevenueAgency, Canada Pension Plan , Utilities (suchas gas, hydro, phone, internet), Banks andInsurance Company.

A checklist will be created and provided tohelp guide residents through the process ofwho to contact. Some people havevolunteered to help answer questions, butmany service providers will only discussaddress change with the resident/accountholder.

Time for ChangeTime for ChangeThe renaming ofThe renaming ofColonization AvenueColonization Avenuein Drydenin Dryden

A move towardsA move towardsreconciliationreconciliation

E-mail: workingcircle@dryden.cahttps://www.dryden.ca/workingcircle

Contact the Working Circle

How can I become involved

To start, it is important that we educateourselves on the issue. We also need torecognize the impact that the current namehas on Indigenous People. Next, weencourage you to talk about the issue withfamily and friends. Finally, we encourage youto participate in the naming contest andconsultation.

"Getting to the truth was hard,but getting to reconciliationwill be harder." "Reconciliation requires a newvision, based on acommitment to mutualrespect" from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

It's time for change

The City of Dryden is a dynamic, diverse andinclusive community. Dryden has alwaysprided itself as a leader throughout theregion, and as a welcoming traveldestination . Although change can bedifficult, it is necessary for our continuedgrowth and improvement.

Why make a change now

Renaming a street is an action that moves uscloser to reconciliation. There is no bettertime to work towards reconciliation and rightan injustice than now. Movements like "IdleNo More" and "Black Lives Matter" havedemonstrated that people are tired of painand trauma and want to move forward.These movements have been a reminder thatwe all need to recognize prejudices and cometogether to build stronger relationships.

What will the new name be

The new name needs to come from thecommunity. The name should not divide usbut work to bring us closer together as acommunity by recognizing and honouring ourdiversity.

It is our hope that the name will come out ofa naming contest through consultation. Wewant all people to become involved. We willshare some potential names that have beenproposed, but encourage everyone to pickthe name they like or offer suggestions of anew name to consider.

Why should I care

Changing a name may seem trivial but itsends the message that we will not tolerateracism while encouraging us to educateourselves on the history of colonization. Itshows people that we're capable of listeningto each other and that we are committed tobuilding stronger relationships.

What is in a name

Colonization means "the action or process ofsettling among and establishing control overthe indigenous people of an area andappropriating a place for one's own use."

Colonization Avenue was named a long timeago as part of establishing Dryden as acommunity. It is a hurtful reminder of thenegative effects of colonization to manyIndigenous and Non-Indigenous Peoples whovisit or live in and around our community.These negative effects include the legacy ofresidential schools and segregation.

Colonization Avenue/Road played asignificant role in the development of Drydenas we know it today. It provided access toWainwright Township to the North and VanHorne Township to the South. If not the firstroad in Dryden, it was one of the first roadsin Dryden, allowing access to resources andthe settlement or colonization to happen.

A street name should be something we alltake pride in, as we do our greatercommunity. For too many, Colonization Aveis a daily reminder of a dark stain in Canadianhistory and of past injustices that stand inthe way of making all people feel like animportant part of the fabric of ourcommunity.