The Lheidli T’enneh burial grounds in Fort George Park. Â – Brent Braaten, Photographer
Fort George Park may get a new moniker if city council backs a recommendation to rename it in honour of the local First Nation.
Coun. Murry Krause has suggested changing the name to Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park as a step towards acknowledging “historic wrongs that have profoundly impacted generations of the Lheidli T’enneh people.”
Before it was a city space, Fort George Park was part of a Lheidli T’enneh village that was destroyed in 1913. A cemetery is all that remains of the settlement that was burned down to forcibly remove people from their homes.
In a report to council, Krause – who chairs the Union of B.C. Municipalities’ First Nations relations committee – said the city’s centennial celebrations provide a strong opportunity for Prince George to “strengthen its relationship with the Lheidli T’enneh through meaningful acts of reconciliation.”
The initiative – along with permanently flying the Lheidli T’enneh flag outside of city hall – is supported by Chief Dominic Frederick.
It also aligns with an increasing local government interest in building strong relationships with aboriginal groups Canada-wide, especially in light of the recommendations stemming from the recently released Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.
If council is supportive, Krause suggested making the formal announcement of the name change during the June 21 National Aboriginal Day celebrations.