Four names make short list for Saskatoon’s newest bridge

A short list of names is out for Saskatoon’s new North Commuter Parkway Bridge.

The bridge naming committee revealed four options Tuesday at the Roxy Theatre.

They are: Chief Mistawasis, Louis Riel, Waniskâ, and Wîcîhitowin.

Waniskâ is a Cree word meaning “to arise” and is the title of a traditional morning song. Wîcîhitowin means “to help mutually” or “the act of helping one another.”

Louis Riel, is remembered for fighting to build a consensus among settlers, First Nations and Métis to address grievances against Ottawa. He was executed in 1885 after being found guilty of treason.

Chief Mistawasis was a Cree leader who petitioned Ottawa in 1870 to make treaties to protect the welfare of his people. He signed Treaty 6 in 1876.

The public has until March 31 to give feedback on the four names.

The new bridge is scheduled to open in October of this year.

The naming committee is made up of representatives from the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, Saskatoon Tribal Council, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and the Central Urban Métis Federation.