The City has added Wolastoqey language to signage on three Fredericton trails this month.
Six signs will include English, French, and Wolastoqey along the North Riverfront Trail, the South Riverfront Trail, and the Cliffe Trail. While the new titles are not directly translated, they still hold significant and historic value.
"The City of Fredericton is committed to strengthening our relationships with Indigenous Peoples," said Mayor Kate Rogers. "We feel sincerely that adding Wolastoqey language to these City trails is the right thing to do, as it signifies the central role of the Wolastoqiyik in this region and serves as an opportunity to bind us all together."
The City has been working with Wolastoqey leaders and the Fredericton Trails Coalition to identify the additional names for the trails as part of the TRC’s Calls to Action for the urgency to preserve Aboriginal languages.
“These new signs add a rich historical context to the trails that connect our community,” said André Arseneault, former president of the Fredericton Trails Coalition. “When we acknowledge that history, it highlights the contributions Indigenous Peoples made to our well-being.”
The new signage includes the following Indigenous titles:
- North Riverfront Trail: Kansuhsaptuwey: Trail of ancestors. Pronounced: <<<GUN-ZEUS-UP-TU-WAY>>>, which means “the ancestor’s tracks left on the trail.” This is to honour the ancestors who lived there.
- South Riverfront: Wapapaptuwey: Trail of Wampum Belt teachings. Pronounced: <<<WAH-BUB-UP-TU-WAY>>>, which is a reference to the historic two row wampum belt, whereas the two nations (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) are to respect and honour one another’s nations.
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Cliffe Trail: Kci-Lakutuwakonaptuwey: Trail of great peace and friendship. Pronounced: <<<KCHEE-LAW-GOOD-DO-WAH-GN-UP-TU-WAY>>>. This is a reminder of the historic treaty relationship to keep peace and friendship a priority.
This is not the first time the City of Fredericton has added Wolastoqey language to City signage. Other areas include the Garrison Skatepark, lamp posts, and gateway signage on Carleton Street.
“Place names tell a story about how Indigenous Peoples used that land and it’s important each of us are part of that story,” said Elder Dr. Imelda Perley. “This is history that belongs to all of us.”