A new initiative dubbed “Preserve Duck Lake” has been launched by residents to safeguard the historic town’s name. The campaign was sparked by the mayor’s recent proposal to auction off the naming rights of the town, situated approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon and home to around 580 individuals.
Historically, Duck Lake derived its name from the First Nations people who referred to the area’s small body of water as “See Seep SaKayegan,” highlighting the abundance of migrating ducks during spring and fall seasons. Notably, Duck Lake played a pivotal role in the 1885 Battle of Duck Lake, a significant event in the Northwest Resistance led by Louis Riel.
Adam Carriere, a local resident, and his partner initiated the Preserve Duck Lake campaign to oppose the naming rights sale. They have launched an online petition that has garnered hundreds of signatures, emphasizing that altering the town’s name would diminish its Métis heritage and identity, which they believe should be preserved for future generations.
Carriere expressed concerns about potential repercussions of striking a deal with a private entity, including financial burdens on residents for rebranding and signage changes if promises are not upheld. He stressed the importance of Duck Lake’s historical significance to Métis residents, underscoring their pride in residing in the town.
The campaign organizers plan to present their case to the council and advocate for a community vote on the matter. Duck Lake’s mayor, Jason Anderson, clarified that any decision on a name change would be subject to a referendum, and proceeds from the naming rights sale would be allocated towards addressing infrastructure issues like road repairs and water system upgrades.
Former mayor Denis Poirier, who served Duck Lake for over five decades, voiced support for the petition, highlighting the logistical challenges and costs associated with a town name change for residents. Poirier emphasized the deep-rooted history intertwined with the town’s identity, expressing optimism that community action could sway the decision-makers.
In response to the proposed naming rights sale, marketing professor Marvin Ryder from McMaster University deemed the idea unconventional and rare, especially in a Canadian context. Ryder speculated that the mayor’s initiative could be more about garnering attention than a practical solution for funding infrastructure projects. Despite acknowledging the town’s creative approach, Ryder questioned the feasibility and practicality of selling a town’s name, suggesting alternative avenues for supporting smaller communities with infrastructure needs.