Article content
Some Regina residents have expressed frustration at the renaming of Dewdney Avenue, arguing that the new name should “reflect us all” and be sensitive to the economic cost and the potential linguistic barriers of renaming.
The history of colonialism is our shared history and inheritance. Our street names reflect this history and its present-day manifestations and current power relations.
Article content
Renaming Dewdney Avenue doesn’t “rewrite” history or erase the diverse populations that now call this place home.
Rather, it acknowledges the much longer history of these lands and the relationships between human and non-humans that allowed us to flourish. The process of renaming is a decision to move forward in a good way that is inclusive of all residents — especially those who have been harmed by colonial infrastructure and the legacy of a genocidal figure.
Renaming is part of a process that signals the values of a community and was a significant aspect of recovering from the Nazi regime or apartheid in South Africa.
While the sounds in “tatanka” can be found in the English linguistic system, the city’s name change could include educational campaigns to ensure accessibility and to provide support for those impacted by the changes.
To focus on the 2,500 buildings and households obscures the impact the name change might have for many of the 24,500 Indigenous Regina residents who are reminded of colonial violence every time they walk or drive down one of the city’s largest thoroughfares.
Article content
Lisa Odle, Regina
Why not call it Riel Road?
Finally, the name of Dewdney Avenue is to be changed.
I have an interest in that.
In 1979, the women who lived on Dewdney Avenue demonstrated and pamphleted to stop the widening of the street, which was already wide enough for traffic purposes.
Further widening the street would have destroyed the trees and the homes — some of them of historic value, including the property of the old city courthouse where Louis Riel was hanged on Nov. 16, 1885.
Governor Edgar Dewdney was a legislator who implemented a starvation regime — an old method of genocide against the indigenous peoples, to force his policies. Genocide was practised against the buffalo as well as the human inhabitants.
Tatanka could be a good name, but it could be applied anywhere in Saskatchewan.
That street should forever be remembered for the life and sacrifice of Louis Riel.
Dewdney Avenue is the location where Louis Riel was judicially tried and then hanged.
He was central to the struggles against colonialism and its policies of land theft and genocide and he struggled for the Metis and Aboriginal tribes.
I cannot imagine any other name so fitting.
Wilma Riley, Pender Island, B.C.
The Leader-Post welcomes letters to the editor.
• Letters should be limited to no more than 250 words.
• Include your full name, address, phone number and home community so we can verify your identity. Only your name and community will be published.
• Emailed letters are preferred but they can also be sent to 300-1964 Park St., Regina, Sask., S4N 7M5
Share this article in your social network
