Nokiidaa P.S. new name for former Sir John A. Macdonald elementary school in Markham

'Renaming schools is a sensitive process and cannot be done in isolation of the name that has been removed,' said Indigenous Trustee Lauri Hoeg.

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 15, 2022
Heidi Riedner

The former Sir John A Macdonald Public School in Markham has been renamed Nokiidaa Public School, honouring the importance of language and of the First Peoples on this land.

York Region District School Board trustees voted for the name change following community consultations began last fall that included feedback from the school community, Indigenous students, staff, family members and members of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation.

Board trustees made the decision to rename the school in July 2021 because of the first prime minister's association with residential schools.

“Renaming schools is a sensitive process and cannot be done in isolation of the name that has been removed," said Indigenous trustee Lauri Hoeg.

"We all need to recognize that Indigenous languages are part of our original fabric and of the land we all share as Canadians," she added. "It is imperative that healing is also part of the process and for healing to happen, medicine must be put on the wound. Our language is our medicine.”

Board chair Allan Tam said Nokiidaa is a name that will inspire and in which the school community can take pride, adding his thanks to everyone who participated in the renaming process.

Nokiidaa is the Ojibwe word that means 'let’s work' or 'let’s all work together.'

Board officials said the word reflects a commitment to work together, to build relationships and to build a bright future for students.

It also reflects the board’s commitment to truth and reconciliation.

“We speak of our commitment to truth and reconciliation, but our legacy will not be measured by the words that we speak if they are not aligned with our actions," said Ron Lynn, Trustee, Markham Wards 2, 3 and 6.

"In renaming this school Nokiidaa Public School, we are aligning our words and our actions.”

"It also provides an opportunity for the school community and our larger board community to deepen our own learning and understanding,” said Director of Education Louise Sirisko.