A Yellowknife councillor says she wants the municipality to resolve a disagreement over its land acknowledgement before moving to rename its main street.
Stacie Arden-Smith raised the issue at a Monday night meeting where councillors discussed the Yellowknives Dene First Nation’s request to rename Franklin Avenue to Chief Drygeese Avenue.
“I believe moving forward with anything along these lines will really cause a disturbance within the city,” Arden-Smith said, “and I believe truth and reconciliation should begin with partnership, not only with the city and the YKDFN, but with all Indigenous groups that reside here in Yellowknife.”
In 2022, the Tłı̨chǫ Government said the city’s land acknowledgement should include a reference to the traditional territory of the Tłı̨chǫ. The Yellowknives Dene First Nation, however, said that request was “an overreach.”
The land acknowledgement currently reads: “The City of Yellowknife acknowledges that we are located in Chief Drygeese territory. From time immemorial, it has been the traditional land of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. We respect the histories, languages and cultures of all other Indigenous Peoples including the North Slave Métis and all First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.”
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City manager Sheila Bassi-Kellett said on Monday the city was working on the matter and had heard from the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Tłı̨chǫ Government and North Slave Métis Alliance.
“It’s been a challenging process and one where there has been a suggestion made that we get respective legal counsels involved, which is a little bit unheard-of when it comes to a land acknowledgement, but it may be the path forward,” she said.
Bassi-Kellett said the land acknowledgement debate would be a factor in deciding whether to rename Franklin Avenue.
She said a memorandum to be brought to council by staff will detail the process to rename the street as well as how public engagement would unfold.
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The majority of councillors voted against pausing the memorandum request while the land acknowledgement issue is examined. Some councillors noted more discussion will take place regarding the name change, including at a reconciliation gathering this summer, and decisions being taken now are not binding.
“Nothing changes very quickly in government,” Mayor Rebecca Alty said, adding she was “happy to get this started.”
The motion in support of the memorandum ultimately passed with unanimous support.
“My hope for us is that we take that information and the guidance from our team and we make the best decision possible,” Arden-Smith said.
The Tłı̨chǫ Government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
