News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture is partnering with the New Brunswick Black History Society to develop an approach to appropriately name landmarks relating to the history of black New Brunswickers.

The provincial government is investing $50,000 to support activities during the first of a two-year action plan of the Black History Compilation Project.

“Black New Brunswickers have made many important contributions to our province throughout its history,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Bill Fraser. “We want to ensure culturally significant geographical places have appropriate names that reflect the importance of black history relevant to them.”

The project includes thorough research, the interpretation of naming principles, consultation with stakeholders and public engagement processes to make specific name recommendations to the minister. It will also ensure appropriate and accessible materials on significant historical points, contributions, sites and landmarks relating to the province’s black history are available to New Brunswickers.

As an initial step, later this year, the name of Negro Brook Rd. in Kings County will be changed to Harriet O’Ree Rd. in recognition of one of the black residents living in the area as noted in the 1851 West Sussex Census.

“Black history is significant to and inseparable from New Brunswick history,” said the New Brunswick Black History Society programs co-ordinator, Ralph Thomas. “This project will result in increased awareness and, more importantly, make these stories accessible to current and future generations in our province.”

The project will include discussions with a variety of other stakeholders in recommending culturally relevant names for these landmarks.