Joshua Li
In January 2022, a group of grade 9 students attending Dr. Charles Best Secondary School have written letters to the Coquitlam city government officials in favor of Dewdney Trunk Road being renamed to represent the community or to honor the Kwikwetlem First Nations.
According to Tri City News reporter Kyle Balzer in his article “Is it time to rename Dewdney Trunk Road,” Dewdney Trunk Road was named after Edgar Dewdney, a late politician known by most for his actions involving Indigenous and Metis nations which included pushing them into reserves, as well as withholding food sources unless treaties were signed.
In his time in Parliament, Dewdney’s past actions have been said to result in genocide by many. The goal of this movement is to serve as a step towards truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples given Canada’s notorious history.
“I think they’re on the right path to making a difference in truth and reconciliation,” said Dominic Runghen, grade 11. “It’ll show that we do care about them,” added Runghen.
Kevin Wang, grade 11, believes “everyone has a right to express themselves and share their opinions and stand up for what they believe in.” However, he believes that changing the name of the street “does not accomplish anything, students aren’t educated [about its history], and it is a waste of money.”
Regarding the grade 9 students at Dr. Charles Best Secondary School supporting change by writing to the Coquitlam government, students are supportive. “I think it’s a good start because it may not mean a lot to others, however, may cause a difference to First Nations peoples,” said Runghen.
Runghen expresses his support for the change and notes its “a good step forward, it will show more appreciation to Indigenous peoples.”
Sources:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/opinion-robert-innes-dewdney-mass-killing-1.6062331