The proposed wording for the plaque on the Gitche Namewikwedong - 10th Street – Bridge is going to city council Monday.

In a staff report on September 28, the Gitche Namewikwedong dedication was recommended, following the formal request of Nanebahwequay (Susan Staves Schank) ,a member of the Chippewas of Nawash of the Saugeen Ojibwe Nation, to dedicate the bridge in the ancestral name and language of the Three Fires Confederacy.

Kefalas' recommendation noted that with this dedication “the City would be making a significant gesture towards reconciliation and recognizing the historical impact the Three Fires Confederacy had on the region.”  It was approved at the October 19 council meeting.

A mock-up of the plaque wording is included with Monday's report, following what is “customary” as well as wording required by the funding agreement with the provincial government, including the  names of the Minister of Transportation and MPP.

In Kefalas' report in Monday's agenda, there is no mention of a conversation with the local Indigenous community about the plaque, which will be installed for the dedication ceremony on June 21, 2021 - National Indigenous Peoples Day. Nor are there names of any Indigenous individuals or peoples, past or present.

However there are five additional suggested names. “Given the significance of the project, staff are also recommending to include the names of the public members of the standing committee who provided their input and recommendations to Council regarding this project.”

The report also notes the approximate cost of the plaque, but not the materials. “In an effort to seek savings in the construction contract, the $20,000.00 item for the commemorative plaque was removed. City staff will manage the manufacturing and installation of the plaque. The cost for plaque will be approximately $2,500.00 plus installation.”