Park receives new welcoming Anishinaabemowin name
By Colin Graf
LEAMINGTON— Two First Nations in southwestern Ontario are joining with Parks Canada to rename a portion of Point Pelee National Park at the southernmost tip of Canada’s mainland. A day-use area of the park formerly known as “Pioneer” has been given the Anishinaabemowin name Madbin Jina.
The new name invokes a traditional expression for welcoming guests, according to Caldwell First Nation Knowledge-Keeper, Janne I. Peters.
“In the time of our ancestors, if someone was new to the area, lost, cold or hungry, the people would invite them into their lodges to ‘sit for a while’. All who crossed their paths in peace were welcomed and cared for as they got their bearings, were fed and rested, all for a while (ajina),” Peters said at a naming ceremony held this fall at the park. “In the spirit of our tradition, Point Pelee National Park continues welcoming visitors from everywhere. When you read Madbin Jina, know that the ancestors are welcoming you to come ‘sit a while’ in peace, and enjoy what Mother Earth has to offer here.”
The idea of renaming the area was brought forward by the park’s First Nations Advisory Circle, composed of members of Caldwell and Walpole Island First Nations, according to a Parks Canada news release. The Madbin Jina renaming signifies a shift and renewal in the agency’s approach to incorporate more inclusive and representative histories of Indigenous Peoples. The news release states that it is one of a number of collaborative initiatives park officials are currently working on with both First Nations to advance reconciliation, and to rebuild and strengthen the connection to the traditional culture and history of the park.
The projects will not only focus on implementing First Nation stories throughout Point Pelee, but will also include support for oral history gathering, historical and archaeological research. Parks Canada has recently signed a contribution agreement to provide funds to support the Caldwell community in developing interpretive content, language revitalization programs, youth engagement, and training.
“Since time immemorial, Caldwell First Nation has been welcoming people into our stories, lands, and traditions. Madbin Jina shares one part of that collective history,” says a prepared statement by the Caldwell Council. “Sharing these stories is part of a series of projects that build connections and strengthen reconciliation between Point Pelee National Park and Caldwell First Nation. We look forward to the continued relationship between Caldwell First Nation and Point Pelee National Park as we invite you to Madbin Jina, which means to ‘sit a while.'”
“This collaboration between Caldwell First Nation and Parks Canada is an important step towards reconciliation, as we seek to strengthen and renew relationships with Indigenous partners, based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, federal Minister responsible for Parks Canada.