We urgently request that the RM of Gimli rename both Colonization Road North and Colonization Road South.

We are all horrified by the recent discovery of a mass grave at Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.

After consulting with members of our community who identify as Indigenous and Métis, we feel that now is the time to take whatever steps necessary, no matter how big or small, to bridge the divide between members of our community, acknowledge mistakes of the past, and make strides toward a better future.

Colonization is defined as the action or process of settling among and establishing control over the indigenous people of an area; the action of appropriating a place or domain for one's own use.

We have many great attributes in the RM of Gimli that are worth celebrating and giving honour through place names and road signs. Colonization, however, is not one of them.

Please take the necessary steps TODAY to rename these controversial street names in our town.