By Tyler Marr

Killsquaw Lake near Unity to be renamed to honour Indigenous women

Nov 20, 2018 | 8:37 AM

In an effort to honour Indigenous culture and women, a small group of lakes near the Town of Unity are being renamed.

Area Elders have settled on Kikiskitotawânawak Iskêwak Lakes as the new name for Killsquaw Lake, which in Cree means ‘we honour the women.’ This change will recognize and honour the Cree women who lost their lives in this area in the 19th century.

“The names of Saskatchewan’s geographic features can truly reflect our shared heritage and leave a lasting legacy for future generations,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Gene Makowsky said.

Kellie Wuttunee from the Red Pheasant First Nation submitted the nomination for the name change.

“To properly respect and honour Indigenous women, we should no longer have denigrating place names in Saskatchewan or Canada,” she said in a release from the province.

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She said the previous name was harmful and undermined the pride and self-esteem of Indigenous people.

“By changing the name, we are giving a voice to the ones who were silenced. Words are powerful. Names are powerful. They inform our identity. With actions like this, we are reminding each other and telling the world that we can learn from our mistakes and move forward together,” she added.

More to come …

cjnbnews@jpbg.ca

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