The City of Yellowknife says it will hold a ceremony with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation on June 20 to mark the renaming of Franklin Avenue to Wıìlıìdeh Avenue.
The name change, agreed in recent months, was formalized by city council this week. It takes effect on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Briefing documents for city councillors suggest City Hall expects to spend just over $40,000 changing street signs. Pieces of software and old bylaws need an update, too. Work on the likes of signs is expected to take until the fall.
In a Thursday news release, the city said the move reflects its “commitment to reconciliation” and more details about the June 20 ceremony will follow.
“The name connects to the land, language, and history of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation,” the city stated, asserting that Wıìlıìdeh means “place of coney fish.”
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“By bringing Wıìlıìdeh into one of the most visible and frequently used parts of the city, these stories and connections become part of how residents and visitors experience and understand Yellowknife every day,” the city stated.
More: Chief Fred Sangris on the road’s change of name
Nineteenth-century British naval officer John Franklin “arrived at Yellowknife Bay and spent only 24 hours at Akaitcho’s village,” Chief Fred Sangris was quoted as saying in the news release.
“We thank the City for recognizing YKDFN, its history, its traditional place names, and are grateful to the City for this meaningful step forward in reconciliation.”
Mayor Ben Hendriksen was quoted as saying that Wıìlıìdeh Avenue “recognizes the history of this place, honours the language of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and reflects our commitment to building a community grounded in respect, understanding, and partnership.”
