First Nations, Parks Canada re-name picnic area

LEAMINGTON — Parks Canada collaborates with and are partners with Indigenous peoples across Canada, in conserving natural and cultural heritage and sharing stories of these treasured places.

They have announced that, on Saturday September 26, the Point Pelee National Park day-use area formerly known as ‘Pioneer’ was renamed ‘Madbin Jina’, as members of Caldwell First Nation, Walpole Island First Nation and Parks Canada staff gathered for a small ceremony to unveil the new road sign and interpretive elements in the park.

The new name invites visitors to come ‘sit a while’ and invokes a traditional expression for welcoming guests in the Anishinaabe language, Anishinaabemowin.

“In the time of our ancestors, if someone was new to the area, lost, cold or hungry, the people would invite them into their lodges to ‘sit for a while’,” said Knowledge-Keeper, Janne I. Peters of Caldwell First Nation. “All who crossed their paths in peace were welcomed and cared for as they got their bearings, were fed and rested, all for a while (ajina).”

The new Madbin Jina signage at the entrance to the picnic area previously known as ‘Pioneer’, stands next to the Caldwell First Nation flag at Point Pelee National Park on Saturday, September 26. Photo submitted

The ‘Madbin Jina’ renaming signifies a shift and renewal in the approach to presenting the full scope of the shared history at Parks Canada’s administered places to incorporate more inclusive and representative histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples.

The idea of renaming this day-use area was brought forward by the park’s First Nations Advisory Circle, which is composed of members of Caldwell and Walpole Island First Nations. It is one of a number of collaborative initiatives that Point Pelee National Park is currently working on with both First Nations.

The renaming is part of a variety of projects to advance reconciliation, and to rebuild and strengthen the connection to the traditional culture and history of the park.

The Madbin Jina day use area is located directly across from the Delaurier Homestead area in Point Pelee National Park. It is one of about a dozen such areas in the park where families can gather for picnics and experience the history of Point Pelee National Park.