Jane Gillon

Dear editor,

An open letter to Mayor Caul and council:

I am writing to encourage you to pass the resolution and commit to renaming Colonization Road. The name of the road has no place in modern times. It is part of a past we are trying to move beyond so we can create a future that all of us can be proud of. In order for the town to continue to move toward reconciliation with its indigenous citizens and neighbours the road name must be changed.

The Town of Fort Frances has taken concrete steps in the direction of reconciliation already by removing the name Pithers from the “Point Park” and by signing the Friendship Agreement in 2019 with the First Nations of Couchiching, Nigigoonsiminikaaning, Mitaanjigaming and Naicatchewenin agreeing to work together with them to make the area a better place to live for everybody.

Our neighbouring communities of Kenora and Dryden have taken steps to rename the Colonization Roads in their communities as have many other Canadian communities over the years. It is our time now. The name is offence to some, puzzling to others and a constant reminder of broken treaties and the mistreatment of indigenous people to all of us. This is not an issue that will go away and although it seems a small step toward reparations to indigenous people in the area it is an important one. Please rename the road.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

My best regards.
Jane Gillon