LAURIE WEIR
CHANTRY — The Township of Rideau Lakes will issue a formal apology to its residents, especially those of Indigenous heritage, and begin reviewing communications practices, after council acknowledged the harm caused by an outdated place name printed in the 2025 municipal calendar.
The July image caption included a reference to the Rocky Narrows’ bay using a term widely recognized as a racial slur against those who identify as Indigenous women. While the name is still used informally by some residents, it is not officially recognized and is considered offensive.
A motion brought forward by Coun. Sue Dunfield at the July 7 council meeting addressed the issue directly, offering an apology for “any harm, discomfort, or misunderstanding” the caption has caused, particularly to Indigenous members of the community. The motion also directed staff to review future publications and communications for cultural sensitivity and accuracy.
Coun. Dustin Bulloch supported the motion, calling it an opportunity for reflection and improvement.
“I think we do need to recognize the potential harm that was done here,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for listening and learning. I don’t believe there was any intent to cause harm.”
Mayor Arie Hoogenboom agreed, saying, “It was something that happened in the process, and it’s something we need to be more aware of going forward.”
Coun. Paula Banks added, “As my niece always tells me, we can always do better.”
Dunfield had previously tried to bring the matter forward on June 23 during the municipal services meeting as part of a broader effort to have Rideau Lakes formally recognize June as National Indigenous History Month. At that time, the mayor deferred the notice of motion, stating there was “no particular rush,” and that such matters would typically be dealt with at a regular council meeting.
Dunfield said that decision on June 23 was “disappointing,” but it gave her the grounds to bring it forward again on Monday night.
Staff have now been tasked with developing a review process for all township materials, including place names and photo captions, to ensure greater inclusivity and respect for all residents.
The apology comes on the heels of a widely attended event in Newboro in June that demonstrated the community’s growing interest in learning and honouring Indigenous history. The Newboro and Area Heritage Society recently hosted a standing-room-only exhibition, The History of Indigenous Peoples in Rideau Lakes: An Archaeological Approach.
According to the society’s website, more than $500 was raised to support future educational displays, and community members from across the region, including leaders from the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and local Indigenous artisans, contributed to the success of the event.
The exhibition, featuring original research by Ted Stewart and a talk by Mireille Lapointe, was so well attended that some guests had to be turned away at the door.
During the council meeting, Diane Haskins, recently named Ontario Senior Achievement Award winner, was recognized by the township for over 50 years of heritage work. She noted her pride in the township’s support for Indigenous-focused initiatives like the Newboro exhibition.
