A new movement called “Duck Lake Forever” is gaining momentum among residents who are rallying to preserve the heritage and name of their town. The initiative was sparked by the mayor’s recent announcement of intentions to sell the naming rights of the town, which is situated approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon and has a population of about 580 individuals.
Historically, Duck Lake derived its name from the First Nations’ term “See Seep SaKayegan,” denoting the abundant migrating ducks in the area during spring and fall seasons. Notably, Duck Lake played a significant role as the primary location of the 1885 Battle of Duck Lake, a pivotal event in the Northwest Resistance led by Louis Riel.
Adam Carriere, a local resident, and his partner launched the Duck Lake Forever campaign as a response to the proposed naming rights sale. They initiated an online petition that has garnered hundreds of signatures as of Monday. The petition emphasizes the importance of preserving the town’s Métis heritage and identity, citing the Battle of Duck Lake as a crucial historical event that shapes local pride.
Concerns raised by Carriere include potential repercussions of a private-company deal, such as unfulfilled promises and financial burdens on taxpayers for rebranding efforts. Organizers of the campaign plan to advocate for a community vote on the matter at the council level.
In response to the community’s outcry, former Duck Lake mayor Denis Poirier expressed support for the petition, highlighting the town’s entrenched historical significance and the practical challenges a name change would pose for residents, including the need to update personal documents like driver’s licenses and passports.
While the current mayor, Jason Anderson, emphasized the potential financial benefits of selling naming rights to address infrastructure issues, such as road repairs and water line maintenance, he assured that any name alteration would be subject to a referendum among residents.
Marketing professor Marvin Ryder from McMaster University noted the rarity of towns selling their names, citing examples from the United States. He questioned the practicality of the mayor’s proposal, suggesting that it might be more of a publicity stunt than a viable solution for infrastructure funding. Despite acknowledging the town’s creativity, Ryder cautioned against the feasibility of such an approach.
Overall, the “Duck Lake Forever” campaign continues to advocate for the preservation of the town’s name and heritage, while engaging in dialogue with local authorities to address the community’s concerns.