‘We can all move forward’: Name change of pool, park symbolizes step towards reconciliation

In his mother tongue, Brad Bellegarde welcomed those in attendance to the Buffalo Meadows Park and Buffalo Meadows Pool renaming ceremony Thursday.

“It is a step towards having a dialogue based on reconciliation,” said Bellegarde, the City of Regina’s cultural diversity and Indigenous relations adviser.

For many years, the recreational area was named after Edgar Dewdney, a historical figure with harmful ties to the Indigenous Peoples.

The name Buffalo Meadows was chosen as a reference to the history of the land and the importance of the buffalo to the First Nations people who lived in the grasslands, travelling and following the animal.

“(First Nations) were people who lived in harmony with nature and took only what they needed for them,” said Saskatchewan Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty.

“Understanding and sharing were two integral principles they lived by (and that’s) something that we can learn from. Steps like these will help us on this journey that we are taking together.”

A petition to rename what was once Dewdney Pool was taken to city council by a local community-driven movement initiated by members of First Nations groups and other dedicated residents, including the Buffalo People Arts Institute.

Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway with the institute grew up in the neighbourhood. She has always held the buffalo close to her heart.

“I’m obsessed with buffalo and my ceremony sister said, ‘Joely, why are you so obsessed with buffalo?’ and my answer back is, ‘Why aren’t you?’ ” BigEagle-Kequahtooway said.

“It started with the genocide of the buffalo. That was only 150 years ago. There’s people on this Earth still alive that are 100 years old. Their mothers would have been alive during that time and the buffalo were here.”

Erica Beaudin with Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services said the pool will act as a catalyst for positive change.

“We’ve had a lifeguard program called Warrior of the Water,” Beaudin said. “We have Indigenous lifeguards that are able to be role models, that are able to show the kids that kindness (and) empathy, that face from home that is so sorely needed when the kids are out playing, that they see normalized people in authority, brown people in authority, Indigenous people in authority.

“The time is now. The time is here. And together, we can all move forward.”

Mayor Sandra Masters acknowledged the space as a treasured part of the neighbourhood, and explained everyone has a connection.

“Buffalo Meadows is here for everyone to come and feel safe and welcomed and to be valued,” Masters said. “This is a significant time of conversation about the history of our community and our nation, and it is important we continue to make space for listening and learning together.

“The buffalo is a symbol of sustenance and well-being. Buffalo hunts were the most important times of the year for First Nations across the prairies. The sharing of the buffalo helped to bring diverse nations together. The name Buffalo Meadows reminds us of community, of diversity and inter-connectedness, and of our individual and collective value.”

In addition to the naming ceremony, Masters announced that, based upon an application from the Buffalo People Arts Institute, the month of July will be proclaimed Tatanga/Buffalo/Bison history month.

“As we strive to understand the lived experience of our community, the reality of discoveries from this month are sitting with us all,” Masters said. “As we continue to learn the truth, we will bear witness to past harms done and the steps we need to make for future generations.

“With this naming we solemnly acknowledge the injustice colonialism inflicted on First Nations and Metis people in Regina. Let’s use this opportunity to engage in conversations that will help us better understand a more fulsome history of Canada.”

Brad Bellegarde of the City of Regina addresses those in attendance at the renaming ceremony of Buffalo Meadows park and pool on June 17, 2021. (Mattea Columpsi/980 CJME)