Title
RESOLUTION RENAMING LAKE PLACE PARK TO GICHI-ODE’ AKIING, WHICH TRANSLATES TO “A GRAND HEART PLACE”.
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
RESOLVED, that the city council hereby approves the renaming of Lake Place Park to Gichi-ode’ Akiing, which translates to A Grand Heart Place in English.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that on November 16, 2015 the City of Duluth Indigenous Commission submitted the application to the City Administration for the name change, and that the Duluth Naming Task Force reviewed the request, provided supportive input and recommendations;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor recommends approval of the renaming of Lake Place Park to Gichi-ode’ Akiing.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution provides for the renaming of Lake Place Park to Gichi-ode’ Akiing, the space of which constitutes an area depicted in the attached map. The attached map also includes information from the Ethnographic Study about culturally significant resources in and around the park. Approval of the renaming has been recommended by the Indigenous Commission, and has been reviewed and advanced by the Duluth Naming Task Force. The Indigenous Commission and community members has evaluated the context for the proposed name and confirmed its spelling in consultation with Dr. Erik Redix, Assistant Professor in American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and Dr. Anton Treuer, Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University.
The Indigenous Commission, as defined in the City’s Charter, serves in an advisory capacity to the city council and administration. The objectives of the Indigenous Commission are to guide in the development of policy, planning and services so as to ensure the Indigenous community is incorporated in the decision making, future planning and stewardship of the city of Duluth. In this role, the Indigenous Commission has recognized the need to increase the visibility of the Native people and their significant historical, cultural, spiritual and physical contributions to the City of Duluth. The renaming of this park will help to educate both Duluth’s residents and visitors about Indigenous culture, language and history. This recognition will contribute to the economic and spiritual health of the community and be a viable attraction for tourism. This park will be a place of healing for people and will provide a positive representation of Native culture.
Modifications to signage for Gichi-ode’ Akiing will be installed in the spring of 2019. Signage updates will primarily reflect the new name, but will also incorporate the original name of Lake Place to provide continuity of location and to address potential confusion for visitors. Additional enhancements to the space which may incorporate educational, interpretive, or other park elements will be evaluated in coordination with the parks and recreation commission and other partners in the future.
The City of Duluth wishes to honor the Indigenous part of its history, create reconciliation and move forward with a grand heart by changing the name of Lake Place Park to Gichi-ode’ Akiing.