Kingston announces shortlist of potential names for Third Crossing bridge

In an online public event this afternoon, Kingston has announced a shortlist of potential names for the City’s Third Crossing bridge.  

In total, there were over 100 submissions and several consultations with Indigenous Nations. The final name chosen for the bridge would recognize and honor Indigenous culture and history in Kingston and the area. 

“We know that as a City, we need to broaden our understanding of Kingston’s history by incorporating more Indigenous stories, and to facilitate a community dialogue that prioritizes reconciliation,” Mayor Bryan Paterson said. 

A total of Six virtual meetings have been held with Indigenous Nations and interested local Indigenous community members and residents, and a consensus was reached on the shortlist of potential names for the new bridge. The list includes six names, three in Kainien’keha (Mohawk) and three in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe):

• Aazhogan (AH-jo-GAN) – Aazhogan is the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) word for “bridge,” or a structure that allows for people, animals, or vehicles to cross a body of water safely.
• Àhskwa’ (As-KWA) – Àhskwa’ is the Kainien’keha (Mohawk) word for “bridge.” 
• Nibi (NEE-BEE) – Nibi is the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) word for “water.” 
• Ohne:Ka (Oh-NAY-ga) – Ohne:ka is the Kainien’keha (Mohawk) word for “water”. 
• Tekarón:yake (Deh-ga-ROON-ya-go) – Tekarón:yake means “Two Skies” in Kainien’keha (Mohawk) and brings to mind the image of the sky reflecting off the water. 
• Waban (WAA-ban) – Waaban is an Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) word with interpretations relating to the eastern direction where the sun comes up, the dawn of a new day, or the morning light. 

Director Heritage Services, Jennifer Campbell reiterated that the concept of building and strengthening relationships between Indigenous peoples and all Canadians had been a recurring theme throughout many of the discussions surrounding the Third Crossing. 

“Many important discussions surrounding nature and environmental themes as well as Indigenous worldviews allowed participants to come up with six potential names that we are excited to engage with residents about,” Campbell said. 

The campaign is open for public input until Nov. 29, 2021, and will also conduct information sessions with local businesses and organizations. Additionally, presentations to school classes in Kingston, a survey asking residents for input on the shortlist of names, and an educational campaign that includes a video and an information document on the list of potential names are also in the overall plan. 

After all the consultation and public engagement processes, the City will reconvene with Indigenous Nations and interested members of the local Indigenous community to discuss the feedback. Finally, the preferred name will be presented to the Mayor and council for the final announcement.  

For more details about engagement and the Third Crossing project, visit: https://thirdcrossing.cityofkingston.ca/engagement/naming-campaign