First road in Muskoka to be renamed to honour local Indigenous culture
The District of Muskoka approved changing the name of Muskoka Road 38 in an effort to move towards a path of reconciliation.
According to Wahta First Nation, the road has received final approval to be renamed to the Mohawk word Kanien'kehá:ka Iohatátie.
"Its meaning is 'Mohawk People Road.' It reflects the people and the road that carries the people and the language. It's the first time it has had a name. We have always been a number," said Wahta First Nation Chief Philip Franks.
According to Franks, the name was chosen and ultimately narrowed down from a list of 40 other possibilities. The final decision was made through Wahta elders, councillors, the District of Muskoka and the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
"This really was a name that was important because it reflects not just the area, not just a characteristic of the area, but also the people who are from the land," said Jeff Lehman, Chair for the District of Muskoka.
According to Wahta First Nation, the name change has been 30 years in the making.
The First Nation's attempt to change the name of Muskoka Road 30 was turned down in the 1990s.
"We couldn't come to terms with local municipal government, so the name Muskoka Road 38 remained, so this change has been great. It reflects a community and our people, and that's the key to reconciliation because it begins with learning," said Chief Franks.
The District of Muskoka says motorists can expect to see the name change on road signs, GPS systems and maps by the end of June to early July.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.