Mixed reactions on Walpole Island First Nation over new federal riding name

From positive feedback, to a feeling of disappointment, there are mixed reactions on Walpole Island First Nation over the use of its traditional name in the federal electoral riding Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong.

Bkejwanong is the traditional name of Walpole Island First Nation. The territory's Chief said she'd like to hear more people use that name when referring to the land.

Chief Leela Thomas said seeing Bkejwanong used in the formal federal election riding name was a "nice surprise."

The riding boundaries were officially re-written in 2022. Walpole had previously been a part of the now-dissolved riding of Lambton-Kent Middlesex. 

"I feel like it's always good that we start to use our own language and that other surrounding areas and municipalities call us by our traditional name... It's a central part of our identity as First Nations people," she said. 

"It's nice again to see that other non-Indigenous people are recognizing that and are validating that."

Former council member calls process disrespectful

But for former council member Cody Miskokomon, it feels like a form of ceding Bkejwanong's territory to the federal government. 

"Walpole's in a very unique position. We've never sat down with the government and never surrendered our land. We've never surrendered to the United States or to the British or Canada," he said. 

Miskokomon, who served on council during the time when the boundaries were redrawn, also said that as far as he's aware, there was no consultation process to get to the name change. 

"They don't come to us with the questions on, 'Hey, would this be a good idea?' They simply just went ahead and changed it.... Walpole, take[s] that as a disrespect," Miskokomon said.

Chief Thomas said she also had not been consulted, but she only took office in September 2024, after the federal riding boundaries had been re-drawn and re-named.

According to the Regional Media Advisor with Elections Canada Nathalie de Montigny, the redistribution process was done by independent commissions in each province. 

"Part of the role of the commission was to consult with communities in each riding through public hearings and review written submissions," de Montigny said. 

Other First Nations within riding boundaries

The Chief said overall she hasn't heard much feedback on the matter, but said she understands why some might be skeptical.

"I can see their point to that, you know, there's a lot of mistrust still to this day," she said.

"Sometimes we feel like, the Crown or the province may not be acting in, in good faith when it comes to duty to consult and, you know, honouring treaties and whatnot. So I can understand where he's coming from."

Bkejwanong territory isn't the only First Nation that falls within the new riding's boundaries. Aamjiwnaang First Nation and Kettle & Stony Point First Nation are within the riding, but not included in the riding name.

CBC reached out to both of the First Nations' chiefs for comment but did not hear back.