New name for greenway

St. Vital

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This article was published 31/05/2024 (585 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The reconciliation journey continues in many ways.

The Bishop Grandin Greenway’s name has now officially changed to Awasisak Mēskanow Greenway, according a recent announcement from the non-profit organization which oversees the trail along Abinojii Mikanah (former Bishop Grandin Boulevard)

The renaming is the culmination of a three-year-journey which began June 3, 2021, when the non-profit’s board held a special meeting which resulted in “unanimous support for the removal of the name Bishop Grandin from city landmarks.”

The move is in keeping with the reconsideration, in recent years, of the legacy of Bishop Vital Grandin, a leading campaigner for residential schools, that was set in motion following the release of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

“We’re happy to be near the end of this journey,” said Derick Young, president of the Greenway board, who said that the process has been longer and more complicated than the organization originally thought.

“We’ve been respectful of the work the city has been doing, and finally we’re able to receive the final decision. We’re happy to be turning the page on this, and doing our small part in the reconciliation process and fulfil our three-year obligation,” he added.

The non-profit’s board has worked in collaboration with the Indigenous relations division of the City of Winnipeg to rubber-stamp the name change. Young said the organization — which consists of a small team of volunteers — has begun the process of legally changing the name and will be updating its website and working on the replacing signage along the trail in the next few weeks.

On May 29, the folks at Awasisak Mēskanow Greenway were recognized in the Manitoba legislature by MLA for Riel Mike Moyes – a former board member of the organization – with a member’s statement recognizing their collective efforts.

According to its website, Awasisak Mēskanow Greenway is holding a 50/50 draw; all proceeds will go directly to support greenway projects and operations. The draw date is June 11.

As well, it will hold its annual general meeting on June 12, starting at 6 p.m. Any interested individuals are asked to contact organizers if they wish to attend.

Bishop Grandin Boulevard has previously been renamed Abinojii Mikanah, a change ratified by the city last year.

Go online at www.bishopgrandingreenway.com for more information, and updates.