Some Canadian cities’ name you probably didn’t know were derived from an Indigenous word

May 07, 2022

Some Canadian cities’ name you probably didn’t know were derived from an Indigenous word

Indigenous communities play a huge part in Canada’s history. Many major Canadian cities are named after indigenous words, which were later translated or altered into the names we currently know today. Even the name ‘Canada’ comes from the indigenous word ‘Kanata’, which means either ‘settlement’ or ‘village’ in the language of the St. Lawrence Iroquoians, which sadly disappeared in the 16th century.

Toronto

Toronto is a name derived from the Mohawk word Tkaronto, which means ‘where there are trees standing in the water’. Tkaronto originally referred to ‘The Narrows’ (near Orillia today) where groups drove stakes into the water to create fish weirs. Eventually, the name referred to the lake itself (The Lac de Taronto) and in the 18th century the spelling changed to the currently known Toronto, which now designates a larger region: the city of Toronto.

Ottawa

Before it was known as Ottawa, the capital of Canada was originally named Bytown. It was named for the Odawa First Nation. Although, oddly enough, Ottawa is not located on the Odawa First Nation’s territory (their territory stretches along the Eastern shores of Lake Huron & Michigan). ‘Odawa’ is an Algonquin word, which signifies ‘to trade’. Ottawa did not get its current name until 1855.

Mississauga

The city of Mississauga was originally named the Toronto township years before the community of York, which was more heavily populated, incorporated as the city of Toronto in 1834. In order to not have a copycat name, the town renamed their city ‘Mississaugua’, since it was on the territory of the ‘Mississauga of the Credit’ nation.  Residents voted for the new name with the permission of that First Nation group of course. The word comes from the Anishinaabe word ‘Misi-zaagiing’, which loosely translates to ‘Great River-mouth’.

Winnipeg

The name Winnipeg comes from the Cree Nation. It derives from the name the Crees gave to the Winnipeg Lake, which has very muddy waters. ‘Win’ means muddy and ‘nipee’ means water. After many different spellings of the name over the years, the city adopted the name Winnipeg in 1873.

Quebec City

The name of Quebec City was inspired by an Algonquin word, which means ‘where the river narrows’.

Saskatoon

When travelling to hunt buffalo, members of Ahenakew’s band stopped at Saskatoon’s current location to cut the Saskatoon berry willows (as pictured). The place where willows were cut is called ‘manimisāskwatān’ in Cree. The shortened is sāskwatān, which later became Saskatoon.

Now if you ever visit these Canadian cities, you will know a little bit more about the origin of their names!

 

Sources:

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/toronto#:~:text=The%20name%20Toronto%20is%20derived,Canada%20With%20an%20Indigenous%20Name.)

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/largest-cities-in-canada-with-an-indigenous-name

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississaugas

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Winnipeg

https://winnipeg.ca/History/HistoricalProfile.stm#:~:text=The%20name%20Winnipeg%20has%20its,%2C%20%22nipee%22%2C%20water.




Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Tail Slapping Canadian Facts!

The Ultimate Guide to Gift Giving
The Ultimate Guide to Gift Giving

June 19, 2023

While some people have a natural talent for picking out the perfect gift, many others struggle to find something that will surprise and delight a loved one. No matter the occasion, this ultimate gift giving guide is your ticket to giving the perfect presents every single time.

Continue Reading

Top 3 Must-Do Ottawa Activities This Summer
Top 3 Must-Do Ottawa Activities This Summer

June 05, 2023

The nation’s capital has so much more to offer than government buildings and visiting museums. Ottawa’s optimal summer weather is perfect for spending evenings on outdoor patios, enjoying nature, and basking in our breathtaking sunsets. 

Continue Reading

Why Do We Wear Orange on National Day of Truth & Reconciliation? Phyllis Webstad's Story
Why Do We Wear Orange on National Day of Truth & Reconciliation? Phyllis Webstad's Story

September 30, 2022

September 30th marks National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and Orange shirt Day. On this day we listen and reflect on the inspiring stories of residential school survivors and honour those who did not make it home. Keep reading for the incredible story of Phyllis Webstad and the legacy of Orange Shirt Day.

Continue Reading