RVA Trail Name Announcement Ceremony
Please join us for a remarkable morning of ceremony, learning, and celebration with the River Valley Alliance (RVA) on May 11th, 2023, at 11 a.m. in Kinsmen Park, Edmonton, AB (9100 Walterdale Hill). Parking will be available in the Kinsmen Sports Center Lot and Huskie House lot. We will also have two food trucks on site – Guilt Free Eats and YEG Pizza on Wheels!
We’re excited to share the new unifying name for the 100 km pedestrian trail connecting the North Saskatchewan River Valley from Devon to Fort Saskatchewan. This trail name, in nêhiyawêwin (Cree language), represents a significant milestone in our 2-year journey of engaging Indigenous communities, fostering connection with the river valley’s rich and storied Indigenous history. The trail’s chosen name, graciously gifted in a ceremony by Elder Jerry Saddleback, is in nêhiyawêwin, the Cree language.
Background:
Over 20 years ago, passionate volunteers envisioned a 100 km multi-use pedestrian trail that would connect the North Saskatchewan River Valley, making it the longest river valley trail in North America. The River Valley Alliance was born out of this dream, supported by the 6 municipalities bordering the river within the Edmonton Metro Region. With collaborative funding from provincial and federal governments, this iconic trail is now 75% complete. To celebrate this achievement, we embarked on a 2-year process to find a unifying name that honours and respects the Indigenous history of the river valley.
Working closely with Naheyawin, we sought insight from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and representatives of Indigenous political organizations, ensuring diverse perspectives, including 2SLGBTQ+ and Inuit voices. Through these enriching conversations, we discovered the importance of names in Indigenous cultures, as they shape identities, relationships, values, and perspectives. The chosen trail name in nêhiyawêwin (Cree language) invites everyone to “sing the song” of the river valley, fostering a deeper sense of responsibility and belonging.
