A new movement called “Preserve Duck Lake” has emerged to safeguard the historical town’s name from potential renaming efforts. The initiative was sparked by the mayor’s recent proposal to sell the naming rights of Duck Lake, a community of around 580 residents situated approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon.
Historically, Duck Lake derived its name from the First Nations’ term “See Seep SaKayegan,” describing the abundance of migrating ducks in the area during spring and fall seasons. Notably, Duck Lake played a significant role as the primary location of the 1885 Battle of Duck Lake, a pivotal event in the Northwest Resistance led by Louis Riel.
Adam Carriere and his partner initiated the Preserve Duck Lake campaign to oppose the renaming proposal. They have launched an online petition that has garnered substantial support, emphasizing that altering the town’s name would diminish its strong Métis heritage and cultural identity.
Carriere expressed concerns about the potential repercussions of a naming rights deal with a private entity. He highlighted the financial burden on taxpayers for rebranding and signage changes if contractual obligations are not fulfilled, underscoring the disparity in legal resources between residents and corporate entities.
The campaign organizers intend to present their case to the town council and advocate for a community-wide vote on the matter. The mayor of Duck Lake, Jason Anderson, clarified that any decision regarding a name change would be subject to a referendum, ensuring residents have a say in the process.
Former mayor Denis Poirier, a long-time resident and community leader, pledged support for the petition, emphasizing the logistical challenges and costs associated with a name change for residents and neighboring communities.
While selling a town’s naming rights is a rare concept, marketing expert Marvin Ryder noted its novelty in Canada. He suggested that the mayor’s proposal could be a strategic move to draw attention to infrastructure funding needs, highlighting the potential impracticality of the naming rights sale as a sustainable solution.
Despite differing perspectives on the initiative, community members like Poirier remain optimistic that collective action and petition efforts may influence the decision-making process, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving Duck Lake’s historical significance and cultural heritage.
