Debwewin Miikan street sign unveiled in Oshawa

The street sign for Debwewin Miikan (Duh-Bway-Win Mee-Can) was unveiled this afternoon in a traditional Indigenous renaming ceremony in downtown Oshawa. The ceremony was overseen by local Elders and supported by Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle. Proudly featuring the Thunderbird logo of the Anishinabek Nation, the street sign and its name promote Indigenous languages and their revitalization while demonstrating the City’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

Debwewin Miikan means “Truth Road” in Anishinaabemowin, which is the language of the Anishinaabeg, who are the First Peoples of this territory. The word Debwewin is also meaningful as “Truth” is one of the Seven Grandfather Teachings in Anishinaabe knowledge and culture. It also signifies the City’s commitment to continuing to learn the truth of our shared history and demonstrates an understanding that Truth needs to come before Reconciliation.

The new street name was the recommendation of an Indigenous Working Group, which included all seven Williams Treaties First Nations, the Oshawa and Durham Region Métis Council and the urban Indigenous community. The Group developed guidelines for a new name and provided recommendations for Council’s consideration.

Through its 2024-2027 Oshawa Strategic Plan, the City has prioritized a sense of belonging to an inclusive and healthy community. The renaming of Bagot Street to an Anishinaabemowin term represents a milestone in recognizing the history, culture and language of the Anishinaabeg, while also demonstrating the City’s commitment to meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous communities, as Indigenous languages carry centuries of knowledge, spirituality and worldviews.

Please visit the Truth and Reconciliation webpage to learn more about Debwewin Miikan, the street renaming process and the City’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

Please visit the Plans, Reports and Studies webpage to learn more about the 2024-2027 Oshawa Strategic Plan.

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