Committee set to discuss changing city's first Michif-named street
City administration is looking to rename a new Saskatoon street after the word was revealed to have different meanings.
Council will mull over the recommendation to rename Shakamohtaa Street after feedback received at City Hall said the Michif word had “different meanings for speakers of the different Michif language dialects.”
The word shakamohtaa is a Michif word or concept that embodies the spirit of coming together or connection.
Originally vetted by an Indigenous Elder, the word was added to the city’s Names Master List along with numerous other Indigenous language submissions in January 2020. It was then used on a street in Brighton in early 2021.
The report before the city’s standing committee on planning, development and community services says several discussions have happened with representatives from Métis Nation-Saskatchewan to rename the street. Administration is recommending to continue working with the Métis community to identify an appropriate name.
There is one other Michif word on the Names Master List: “waahkoomiqayhk,” signifying the concept of “kinship,” the administration report said.
A letter from Métis Nation-Saskatchewan CEO Richard Quintal wrote a letter to council asking the first Métis heritage names street be called “Michif.”
“As a first name, this word goes to the heart of Métis culture. For many it is used interchangeably with the word Métis and we speak of Michif language, Michif culture and Michif people,” Quintal said in his letter.
“We will be pleased to see a street carry this proud name and would look forward to participating in any openings related to it.”
Mayor Charlie Clark celebrated the naming of the street when it was first announced in April 2021.
“While it is long overdue, I am glad we will see the Michif language reflected on this street in Brighton. Imagine the impact for kids growing up in this neighbourhood, living on or near Shakamohtaa Street. They will feel a greater connection to these roots and the beauty of the Michif language," Clark said at the time.
The committee is set to discuss the street name change at its meeting on Monday at 9:30 a.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.