Colonization Road has put Fort Frances on the map for all the wrong reasons, with national media outlets calling our town out on the outdated, racist street name. Fort Frances' Colonization Road was the inspiration for the title of the CBC documentary "Colonization Road,"  which examines the remnants of European colonialism and oppression of Canadian indigenous peoples.  We believe that change is long overdue.

 In an effort to foster a positive relationship between indigenous and non-indigenous Fort Francesians and to work towards reconciliation, we call on Fort Frances Mayor and Council to:

Immediately issue a statement about Colonization Road and the intent to rename it;

Consult with indigenous and non-indigenous residents of Fort Frances on possible new names for the road;

Choose a name symbolic of the importance of indigenous peoples' existence to Canada -- we have an Elizabeth Street, Victoria Avenue, and countless other roads named after European Canadians, after all, what harm does having one road to celebrate indigenous peoples cause?

It is time to put the past of colonization and racism behind us, it is time to move on.  Rename Colonization Road.