Petawawa council considers name changes for park, sports teams

Petawawa Council is considering a name change for Indian Diamond Park after receiving a letter from concerned resident Joann McCann.

At the regular July 19 meeting, the council reviewed the letter which requested the name change for the park, as well as the hockey and baseball teams the Petawawa Indians. Both have carried the name since 1936.

Most of the council was on board and have asked town staff to come up with recommendations.

Councillor Tom Mohns preferred to keep the letter as information, however.

“Until we hear from the federal government, the provincial government or we hear from our local band, I think we should just sit on this one and let it cool down a little,” said Mohns, noting he personally knows many residents who would prefer to keep the name as is.

“We have a lot of other things that we have to deal with, and I don’t think this should get the high priority at the moment,” he added.

At the time the park name and teams were chosen, it was to honour First Nations people. It has become a part of Petawawa’s heritage and history.

The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan have confirmed that any use of “Indian” to refer to First Nations people is no longer acceptable, however.

“Anything discriminatory or offensive should be addressed,” said Councillor Theresa Sabourin.

Mayor Bob Sweet confirmed he would be happy to go through the official process to change the park’s name under municipal jurisdiction. He noted that the teams were not under the town’s control.

“We can certainly recommend it but that is in their hands,” said Sweet.

He added there are nine different Indigenous communities within Renfrew County that would probably also appreciate the name change. The discussion further led to the idea of creating a diversity committee.

“We need to look at what needs to be changed,” said Councillor James Carmody.

The Township of Whitewater Region recently decided to change Indian Road to Anishinaabe Road after consultation. The municipality is also changing Gypsy Lane to something currently undecided as the term is considered a slur in multiple cultures.

Chief Administrative Officer Dan Scissons noted staff does have a few ideas but would like to talk to Renfrew County and perhaps Whitewater Region.