First miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road sign goes up in Saskatoon

A Saskatoon road officially has a new name.

On Thursday, the first sign for miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road was put up in the Confederation Park neighborhood, replacing the former name, John A. Macdonald Road.

The change was approved by City Council in June of 2021 as a response to the calls to action from Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The city said renaming the road recognizes the harm caused by its former namesake, as John A. Macdonald – Canada’s first prime minister – played a significant role in the development of Canada’s residential school system.

The new street name, meaning “good relationship” in Cree, was approved by council in September. According to the city, the name reflects how good relationships can bring people together.

The city hosted a ceremony on Thursday to mark the renaming at wâhkôhtowin School, which included drumming circles and teachings from an elder on the street’s new name.

The first sign bearing the name of miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road was installed on Dec. 7, 2023. The road was formerly known as John A. MacDonald Road. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark called the name change “historic” and “powerful.”

“We want to celebrate and nurture good relationships, not harmful policies,” Clark said.

Residents living on the newly renamed street will need to update documents such as a driver’s licences and passports, but will be provided with a guide from the city, as well financial support for any associated costs.

Renaming the road involved a lot of learning, Clark said, adding that the city took steps to engage with the people living on the street during the process.

Clark said some residents expressed concerns about the logistics of the name change, while others were supportive.

“By the time it went to council, the number of people speaking against it was quite small,” he said, adding that Indigenous elders were able to help some residents understand the reasoning behind the name change.

Clark said there are no immediate plans to change other road names in the city, but he noted the current policies surrounding street naming are outdated and could be updated to be more reflective of the community.

“We are realizing how powerful street naming can be,” he said.