A new initiative called “Preserve Duck Lake” has been launched to safeguard the traditional name of a historic town. The movement arose in response to the mayor’s recent proposal to sell the naming rights of the town, which has a population of approximately 580 and is situated around 80 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon. Duck Lake is believed to have derived its name from the indigenous term “See Seep SaKayegan,” denoting the abundance of migrating ducks in the area during the spring and fall seasons, as per the Town of Duck Lake’s official website.
Notably, Duck Lake holds significance as the pivotal location of the 1885 Battle of Duck Lake, a crucial event during the Northwest Resistance led by Louis Riel. In defiance of the naming rights sale plan, locals Adam Carriere and his partner initiated the Preserve Duck Lake campaign, drawing attention to an online petition that has garnered hundreds of signatures. The petition underscores that altering the town’s name would erase a part of Duck Lake’s Métis legacy and identity, emphasizing the importance of conserving the town’s heritage for future generations.
Carriere expressed concerns regarding potential repercussions of a naming rights deal with a private entity, citing possible financial burdens on residents for new signage and rebranding should promises not be fulfilled. He highlighted the emotional attachment of Métis residents to Duck Lake’s historical significance and stressed the need to uphold the town’s legacy. The organizers intend to escalate their efforts by presenting the campaign to the council and advocating for a community vote on the matter.
In response to the community backlash, Duck Lake’s mayor, Jason Anderson, clarified that any name change resulting from the sale would be subject to a referendum among residents. Former mayor Denis Poirier, who has resided in Duck Lake for over five decades and served on the town council for 31 years, voiced support for the petition, emphasizing the practical challenges and financial implications of a name change for residents and neighboring communities.
While the concept of selling a town’s name is uncommon, marketing expert Marvin Ryder from McMaster University noted that the mayor’s proposal might be more of a publicity stunt to draw attention. He highlighted the rarity of such initiatives in Canada and suggested exploring alternative avenues to address infrastructure funding for smaller communities. Ryder commended the town’s creativity but cautioned against the practicality of the proposed naming rights sale, emphasizing the need for more sustainable solutions.
Overall, the community-led initiative to Preserve Duck Lake aims to safeguard the town’s cultural heritage and identity from potential commercialization, emphasizing the importance of retaining its historical significance for present and future generations.