The Editor:
Re: Letter: Don't stir up a controversy around the name 'Mundy Park' (Aug. 12, 2024)
As an Indigenous person whose family has endured the profound impacts of colonialism and white supremacy for generations, I must address Aimee Daugherty’s letter about renaming Mundy Park.
Her letter overlooks the deep-seated pain that such colonial legacies continue to inflict on our community.
Aimee questions why a name like "Mundy Park," honouring British settler George Munday, should be seen as offensive.
For most of us in the Indigenous community, names tied to colonial figures are not mere historical references; they are symbols of ongoing trauma and marginalization. Colonialism has not only dispossessed us of our land, but also inflicted generational trauma that remains palpable today.
The conversation around renaming public spaces is part of a broader movement towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
This movement is vital for all marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. These principles call for a recognition of historical wrongs and a commitment to creating inclusive spaces that reflect and respect the diversity of our community.
Renaming Mundy Park to honour Indigenous heritage is a step toward addressing historical injustices and promoting a more equitable society.
Reconciliation involves more than symbolic gestures; it requires us to confront and rectify the lasting horrible impacts of colonialism and white supremacy.
It is an opportunity to build a community that values and uplifts every member, ensuring that public spaces reflect the rich diversity of our society and contribute to healing.
I urge everyone to support efforts that advance DEI principles and recognize the profound effects of colonial legacies on Indigenous peoples and other marginalized communities.
- Dave Delorme, Coquitlam
