Treaty One Nation Unveils New Name for Former Kapyong Barracks Site

Naawi-Oodena* Signifies Centre of the Heart & Community

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB  –  At the request of the Treaty One governing council, Chief Derrick Henderson of Sagkeeng First Nation passed sacred tobacco to Knowledge Keeper Dave Couchene Jr. in request of a traditional name.  As per First Nations customs, Elder Courchene accepted the tobacco and conducted a name giving ceremony held on April 14, 2021 at the Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng First Nation.  

Today, the Treaty One Nation officially unveils Naawi-Oodena* as the new name for the former Kapyong Barracks site in Winnipeg.  Naawi-Oodena – from our Anishinaabe language for “centre of the heart and community” – signifies the land’s important and historic location in the centre of Turtle Island (North America).   

“The name Naawi-Oodena signals the beginning of a promising new community and relationship with our Treaty One relatives and neighbours.  We look forward to creating an inclusive and inviting space for all people,” said Treaty One Spokesperson Chief Dennis Meeches.  

“Naawi-Oodena will be a place of hope and optimism for First Nations people for many generations to come.  We thank Elder Courchene and Chief Henderson for their help in the naming ceremony,” Meeches added.

*Pronounced Nah way – Oh day nah 

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For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Blair Strong, Communications Coordinator at Treaty One Nation. Email: bstrong@treaty1.ca