Jackson Tait / Staff reporter
15 Dr. Charles Best social studies 9 students have written letters to local government encouraging them to revisit the name for Dewdney Trunk Road and make it one that can honour the Kwikwetlem first nation.
“Changing the name of the road would be a small step in the right direction for Truth and Reconciliation in Coquitlam,” said Ava Vukovic Dr Charles Best secondary school
Provide more facts before jumping to more quotes or opinions from students.
225 graves were discovered last summer which created a lot of controversy about how indigenous people were treated by the Canadian government and since then thousands more have been discovered. Many tributes and wakes were given to mourn these victims.
When asked what the benefits could be to changing the signs name Dominic Runghen, grade 11, said, “I feel it would be more meaningful for kids to take time out of their day to try and change something so simple”.
The reason these students felt the need to change to name is because of the history of Edgar Dewdney. Born in England then moved over to BC, he then became a lieutenant Governor. He was commonly known for his racism towards indigenous people like trying to push them in to reserves by withholding food and supplies to control their land.
Dewdney Trunk Road was one of the first main roads in the Fraser Valley these students believe it should not be so hard to rename a sign if they can make a holiday honouring Indigenous communities.
Kevin Wang says, “This could be a chance for Indigenous people to be heard”.
Archivists who work for local government would not need to put a lot of effort into this task considering anyone could do simple research and understand these students’ concerns.
According to Dr. Charles Best teacher Megan Leslie Letter: Reviewing the names of Coquitlam streets — is it that too hard of a task? – Tri-City News (tricitynews.com) “While some may say it would be an arduous and expensive task, we should bear in mind that Coun. Teri Towner recently ran every street in the city in a matter of a few months.”
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Letter: Reviewing the names of Coquitlam streets – is that too hard of a task?