Maritimers react to potential name change of Confederation Bridge

In a unanimous vote, members of the Prince Edward Island Legislature have opted to ask the federal authorities to vary the identify of the Confederation Bridge to Epekwitk Crossing.

“Clearly the change of identify would take some authorized ramifications for positive,” mentioned P.E.I. Premier Dennis King. “And clearly, if this did undergo, there could be a substantial advertising marketing campaign to clarify what it’s and why it’s.”

Epekwitk is the standard time period within the Mi’kmaw language to explain P.E.I., which means “one thing mendacity on the water.”

Brad Manderville labored on the development of the bridge within the 90s.

“I used to be a surveyor over there, so I taken care of placing the primary items of the bridge within the water really…. I bear in mind the competition of naming it initially, so in the event that they wish to change it might be an excellent thought,” Manderville mentioned. “I stand behind the identify change.”

Twenty-six years in the past, Ottawa overrode the concept to call it Epekwitk Crossing, going towards the panel who got here up with it, and favouring the second alternative, Confederation Bridge.

“I believe it’s an excellent thought,” mentioned Colin Curry. “I believe we’re much more knowledgeable about our previous now than we was once, and it’s a part of the dialogue that we’re having as a society now. So I totally help the identify change.”

“As non-indigenous settlers, we’re neighbours on this land. Now we have to acknowledge that we have to make house for indigenous historical past.”

Some in New Brunswick drew parallels to the identify of the Saint John River.

“I really assume it is a actually nice thought,” mentioned Susan Holt. “We’ve to take significant steps in direction of reconciliation, and I believe recognizing the unique identify of the land actually honours the Mi’kmaq folks. I believe right here in Fredericton we should always make steps to do the identical for the Wolastoq River.”

One Islander dwelling in Fredericton mentioned he could be glad to see the change.

“I am positive some folks aren’t going to be tremendous pleased about it, however I might be pleased to see it,” mentioned Ryan Chiasson. “I haven’t got any actual attachment to the identify Confederation Bridge. I am from P.E.I., and the whole lot’s named ‘Confederation’ I believe if we take the identify Confederation off of 1 factor it will likely be okay.”

The United Nations has declared an Worldwide Decade of Indigenous Languages, to start in 2022.