Red Indian Lake name change petition launched

Michael O'Brien has started a petition to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador regarding the renaming of Red Indian Lake.

Government announced that the name of the Lake would be changed to "Wantaqo'ti Qospem", which means "peaceful lake" in the Mi'kmaq language.

The renaming process took place without public consultation.

The petition is calling on the government to withdraw the current motion, engage in a consultation process, and ensure that the consultative process is thorough and includes consideration of the current name in the full and proper context and whether the lake should be renamed.

The petition also calls on the government to consider the history of the Lake, including the historical and archeological records. Consider the Lake as a site of significance specifically for the Beothuk. Participation of the municipal and provincial representatives of the people who live near the lake. Consideration of other effects of any new name on the area as relates to future community, cultural, social, and economic activity.