SAINT JOHN (GNB) – The provincial government has changed five geographic place names in Saint John and Grand Bay-Westfield as part of the Black History Compilation Project.

“Black New Brunswickers have made a significant impact on New Brunswick history,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “We want to ensure culturally significant geographical places have appropriate names that reflect the importance of black history in our province.”

Three names in Grand Bay-Westfield have changed:

  • Richards Lake replaces Little Negro Lake;
  • Corankapone Lake replaces Negro Lake; and
  • Black Loyalist Brook replaces Negro Brook.

Two names have changed in Saint John:

  • Lorneville Head replaces Negro Head; and
  • Hodges Point replaces Negro Point.

“Our people and our diversity are strengths of our economy and quality of life here in New Brunswick,” said Gallant. “We need to properly recognize our people and celebrate our diversity.”

The government partnered with the New Brunswick Black History Society to develop an approach to appropriately name landmarks relating to the history of black New Brunswickers.

To date, the Black History Compilation Project has renamed Negro Brook Road in Kings County as Harriet O’Ree Road in recognition of one of the black residents noted in the 1851 West Sussex Census. The government and society will continue to work together to identify other geographical place names that could be changed.

“This project has allowed for increased awareness of black history in New Brunswick and, more importantly, it has brought awareness to stories that are now accessible to current and future generations in our province,” said New Brunswick Black History Society programs co-ordinator Ralph Thomas.

The provincial government has invested $100,000 over the last two years to support the project activities, including for public awareness.

The project includes research, the interpretation of naming principles, consultation with stakeholders and public engagement processes to make specific name recommendations to the minister. It also ensures the public have appropriate materials accessible to them on significant historical points; contributions, sites and landmarks relating to the province’s black history.

 

28-02-17