A petition has been launched asking that consultations be held regarding changing the name of Red Indian Lake.
People living in the region are expressing surprise with the decision to change the name of the lake to Wantaqo’ti Qospem, a Mi’kmaq term meaning “peaceful lake.”
Micheal O’Brien launched the petition claiming that the provincial government selected the name without any public consultation process or transparent discussion with people who live in the area.
The petition claims that no vital consultation has happened.
It asks that the current motion before the Legislature be withdrawn, and that “a fulsome honest and transparent consultation process” through consultation with nearby communities including Millertown, Buchans, and Buchans Junction.
The petition also asks that consideration of and respect for the Lake as a site of significance for the Beothuk be given, considering the historical and archaeological record among other things.
The provincial government says consultation on the name took place with Indigenous leaders.
VOCM News has reached out to the Department of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation on questions surrounding last week’s announcement.
Earlier Story
Questions are being raised about the renaming of Red Indian Lake.
The Premier announced last week that the lake had been changed to Wantaqo’ti Qospem, a Mi’kmaq term meaning “peaceful lake.”
It was a name suggested by Sagamaw Mi’sel Joe of the Miawpukek First Nation.
The announcement struck some by surprise, including members of the Mi’kmaq community.
Fred Thorne is a local resident and status member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq band. He told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly he was surprised by the decision and fears it will pit Indigenous groups against each other.
He says the release mentions consultation with Indigenous leaders but he says there was no consultation with the members of the Qalipu, or residents of communities that are directly affected.
Thorne is not alone. VOCM News has received numerous messages from other people questioning the decision and how it was made.
This is us….Millertown.This is Red Indian Lake ! Those of us who grew up here (and moved on) still hold it close to…
Posted by Cynthia Soucy on Saturday, April 24, 2021
The remains of Demasduit and Nonosabasut—among the last of the Beothuck—have been repatriated to the province and will be laid to rest in the area of the lake.
VOCM News has reached out to the Department of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation.
Related Story
Red Indian Lake to be Renamed ‘Wantaqo’ti Qospem,’ a Mi’kmaq Name Meaning ‘Peaceful Lake’
