There is a new name for a local landmark in Bancroft.
Town council approved changing the name Millennium Park, to Shawashkong Millennium Park.
At their meeting Tuesday, council heard from delegate Trevor Minnie, a member of Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini Algonquin First Nation, who requested a complete name change to Shawashkong Park.
Minnie told council he acknowledges the partnership between KKM and the town of Bancroft, which has together strengthened local infrastructure, supported culture, regional tourism and advanced environmental stewardship.
“Renaming the park would build upon this partnership and provide another meaningful example of reconciliation expressed through visible and lasting action,” Minnie said.
Bancroft Mayor Paul Jenkins said a lot of events are held at the park and because the Millennium name is well known, suggested a compromise of including both names, if acceptable, to keep the identifier.
“I think our people would be very honoured with that,” Minnie said.
Added Minnie: “I feel our people have been ignored for a long time and this would be a nice statement for this town to finally recognize the Algonquin communities in this area.”
Council voted unanimously to change the name.
Minnie’s delegation notes state that The Shawashkong river, the original Anishinaabe name (known modernly as York River) holds deep cultural significance as an ancient lifeline, traditional territory, and crucial transportation route for the Indigenous Algonquin people, specifically the Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini Algonquin First Nation, serving as a foundational anchor for the Algonquin Peoples.
