Petition to Rename Fort Wayne, Indiana to Kekionga
Honoring Indigenous History, Seeking Justice, and Leading Change

We, the undersigned, respectfully call for the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana, to be renamed Kekionga, in recognition of its original Indigenous history and to honor the land’s first inhabitants, the Miami people. This petition acknowledges the brutal colonial history that resulted in the displacement and destruction of Indigenous communities, and proposes that renaming Fort Wayne is an important step toward healing, reconciliation, and leadership for a more just future.

Acknowledging the History of Kekionga:
Before the arrival of European settlers, the region now known as Fort Wayne was the heart of the Miami Nation, where their Kekionga village stood at the confluence of the St. Joseph, St. Mary’s, and Maumee rivers. Kekionga was a vital center for trade, culture, and politics for the Miami people and was their ancestral homeland for thousands of years.

However, the history of this land took a violent turn with the arrival of colonial powers. In 1794, under the command of General Anthony Wayne, U.S. forces attacked and massacred Indigenous people at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, near present-day Fort Wayne. This battle was a turning point in the forced removal and destruction of Indigenous peoples' way of life in the region.

Anthony Wayne, who the city of Fort Wayne is named after, led forces that destroyed Miami villages, displaced families, and left many Indigenous people in fear of losing their culture, land, and identity. The creation of Fort Wayne as a military outpost, and its eventual growth into a city, occurred atop the ruins of the Miami people's homes and communities. The very name of the city perpetuates a legacy of colonial violence and the marginalization of Indigenous peoples.

Why Renaming Fort Wayne to Kekionga Matters:
Honoring Indigenous History: Renaming the city Kekionga would honor the rich cultural history and deep connection the Miami people and other Indigenous communities have with this land. It would acknowledge that this land was not empty or “discovered” by European settlers but was the thriving homeland of Indigenous peoples long before colonization began.
Confronting Historical Injustice: Fort Wayne’s name reflects a painful and violent history of colonialism, and the city’s continued use of this name is a constant reminder of the destruction brought upon Indigenous peoples by the U.S. military. Renaming the city to Kekionga would help confront this historical injustice and begin a process of healing. It would symbolize the city’s commitment to recognizing the harms of colonization and supporting efforts to remedy them.
Restoring Cultural Identity: The name Kekionga holds deep significance for the Miami people and other Native American groups in the region. By restoring this name, the city would help reclaim the Indigenous heritage that was stolen through violence and displacement. Renaming Fort Wayne would serve as a powerful statement of respect for Indigenous cultures, identities, and rights.
Educational and Cultural Opportunities: Renaming the city would present an opportunity to educate both residents and visitors about the rich Indigenous history of this area. It would provide a platform for the Miami Nation and other Indigenous communities to share their history, culture, and ongoing struggles. Cultural and educational programs around the name change would provide valuable opportunities for learning and engagement, fostering a deeper understanding of Native American history.
A Commitment to Reconciliation: Renaming Fort Wayne to Kekionga would demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation, a process of acknowledging past wrongs, learning from them, and moving toward a future of justice. It would show solidarity with the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, the descendants of the original inhabitants, and all Indigenous communities that continue to fight for recognition and respect.
Fort Wayne as a Leader for Change:
Fort Wayne has the potential to become a national leader in the movement for justice, reconciliation, and the acknowledgment of Indigenous peoples’ histories. As cities across the United States begin to reckon with their colonial pasts, Fort Wayne has a unique opportunity to lead by example. By renaming the city to Kekionga, Fort Wayne can set a precedent for other cities to follow, showing that growth and progress are not just about economic development but also about social justice, inclusion, and honoring the past.

Here are several reasons why Fort Wayne can be a leader for change:

Leading the Way in Reconciliation: By embracing this change, Fort Wayne would signal to the country that it is ready to confront difficult truths about its history and move forward in a spirit of unity. Fort Wayne could lead the way in fostering a new kind of civic pride — one rooted in the values of truth, justice, and respect for all people, regardless of their background.
Encouraging Other Cities to Take Action: Just as cities like Minneapolis and Washington, D.C. have begun reevaluating the names of public spaces to acknowledge Indigenous heritage, Fort Wayne can be a trailblazer for other cities with similarly complex colonial histories. By renaming Fort Wayne to Kekionga, Fort Wayne will show that it is possible to make bold, meaningful changes that reflect the evolving values of the community.
Fostering Civic Pride and Community Unity: The renaming of Fort Wayne can be a unifying event for all residents, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. It offers a chance for the community to come together, learn about the land’s original peoples, and celebrate a shared commitment to a more just and inclusive future. It would create opportunities for local events, educational programs, and celebrations that honor the city’s Indigenous roots, making Fort Wayne a hub for cultural exchange and pride.
Building a More Inclusive Future: By renaming the city, Fort Wayne would actively support efforts to preserve Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions. It would send a powerful message to future generations that we must protect the voices and rights of Indigenous peoples, and that communities can thrive by working toward inclusion and equity.
Economic and Cultural Growth: Renaming the city would open up new opportunities for cultural tourism, attracting visitors interested in learning about the rich Indigenous history of the region. Local businesses, museums, and cultural institutions would benefit from increased attention, fostering economic growth while also educating people about the history that shaped the region.
The Time for Change is Now:
The history of Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been shaped by both triumph and tragedy. From its founding as a military outpost to its growth as a thriving city, Fort Wayne’s past is intertwined with the painful history of colonization. The time has come to recognize that the Indigenous peoples who lived here long before European settlers arrived deserve to have their history and legacy honored.

We call on the city leaders, the City Council, and the people of Fort Wayne to support this petition and take immediate steps to rename the city Kekionga. Renaming Fort Wayne would not just be a symbolic act — it would be a bold, necessary step toward justice and healing, setting the stage for Fort Wayne to become a leader for change and a model of inclusivity, education, and reconciliation.

We Ask:
That the city of Fort Wayne be officially renamed to Kekionga, to honor the Indigenous peoples who lived here for thousands of years.
That educational initiatives be developed to raise awareness of the history of the Miami Nation and other Indigenous communities in the region.
That Fort Wayne take proactive steps to support Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and sovereignty.
By renaming the city, we can move forward with a new chapter that acknowledges the past, honors the Indigenous peoples of this land, and leads the way for other communities to do the same.

Let’s show that Fort Wayne is ready to lead the way in justice, reconciliation, and growth. Together, we can build a future that respects and honors the legacy of all people.

 
Join us in making this change. Let’s honor the original peoples of this land and make Fort Wayne a beacon of justice and reconciliation. #RenameFortWayne #HonorKekionga #LeadersForChange