As someone living in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, I sincerely feel the deepest respect for the original inhabitants of this land. One tangible way we can honor their heritage is by reinstating the original name of the river that flows through our city. We must transition from the current name, back to its traditional name, "Wolastoq".

"Wolastoq" is a word from the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) language, which means beautiful river. It not only reflects the river's beauty but also gives a nod to the Indigenous people's contribution to our city. Historical documents have recognized the importance of native languages in preserving cultural identity, and we believe restoring the traditional name would indeed strengthen the cultural heritage of our community.

There is a powerful sentiment in the adage "a place lives in its name". A river is far more than water; it's a testament of our history, a symbol of unity, and a reflection of our values. Fredericton's river should reflect not just our city's beauty, but also the respect for the Indigenous heritage that underpins its history.

By reinstating Wolastoq as the river's name, we are recognizing the full and complete history of Fredericton and showing respect to the Wolastoqiyik people - the custodians of this land long before the city was founded. It not only honors the ancestors but also enriches our collective identity by bridging the past and the present.

However, this change can't happen without your help. It's not just about changing signs and documents; it's about making a statement of who we are as a community. Please join me in this effort - sign the petition to restore the traditional name "Wolastoq" to the river that flows through our city.