The sign for the Sir John A MacDonald Parkway in Ottawa was covered over on Sept. 30. Photo: APTN.
The National Capital Commission’s board of directors has voted to rename the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway in Ottawa to the Kichi Zībī Mīkan, which translates to “Great River Road.”
Indigenous community groups and Ottawa city councillors had urged the NCC to make the change because of Macdonald’s role in the creation of residential schools.
Our Board of Directors approved today the Algonquin name Kichi Zībī Mīkan (kitchi zee-bee MEE-khan) to replace the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway.
The name Kichi Zībī Mīkan means “Great River Road,” and was chosen based of an Indigenous naming and engagement exercise. #ottnews pic.twitter.com/0WpUutJLbR
— National Capital Commission (@NCC_CCN) June 22, 2023
The route through Ottawa’s west end was formerly known as the Ottawa River Parkway, but Stephen Harper’s Conservative government renamed it after Canada’s first prime minister in 2012.
The NCC says the new name was selected through an Algonquin naming and engagement exercise, and the new name references the Algonquin name for the Ottawa River _ Kichi Z?b?.
NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum says the amended name reflects the federal Crown corporation’s commitment to Indigenous culture and heritage.
The change will take effect in September, with a ceremony unveiling new signage planned for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.
