A proposed federal bill would see Sarnia–Lambton–Bkejwanong revert to its former name, raising questions about consultation and reconciliation in local representation.
A proposed change to the federal riding name in Sarnia–Lambton-Bkejwanong is drawing renewed attention to how Indigenous communities are represented in Canada’s political map, with Liberal MP Marilyn Gladu seeking to remove “Bkejwanong” from the riding name.
The request is included in Bill C-25, a federal government bill that contains 19 proposed riding name changes across the country.
Gladu’s riding was renamed Sarnia–Lambton–Bkejwanong following the most recent federal redistribution, which expanded its boundaries to include Walpole Island First Nation in the south and Pinery Provincial Park in the north.
“Bkejwanong” is the traditional Anishinaabemowin name for Walpole Island First Nation, and its inclusion marked a shift toward acknowledging Indigenous presence within the riding.
Gladu has indicated that her push to remove the name stems from feedback she received during and after the redistribution process. According to reporting, she said she reached out to local First Nations during that period, but participation in formal consultations was limited.
Walpole Island First Nation Chief Leela Thomas said she was not contacted or consulted about the proposed removal and emphasized the importance of the name’s inclusion.
Thomas described the addition of “Bkejwanong” as a meaningful step toward recognition, noting that many community members felt represented when the name was first adopted. She warned that removing it could be viewed as a step backward for reconciliation and public awareness.
First Nations communities are now calling on federal decision-makers to pause the process and engage directly with the impacted community before any changes are finalized.
The local situation reflects a broader pattern across Ontario, where multiple MPs are seeking to remove Indigenous references added during redistribution.
In Hastings–Lennox and Addington–Tyendinaga, Conservative MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman has requested the removal of “Tyendinaga,” despite opposition from the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, whose council has called the move “very disrespectful” and said it was made without consultation.
In Brantford–Brant South–Six Nations, Conservative MP Larry Brock has proposed dropping “Six Nations” from the riding name, a change that local leadership has supported, stating the inclusion was opposed from the outset.
Bill C-25 was tabled in the House of Commons on March 26 and debated at second reading beginning April 16. While the bill primarily addresses changes to the Canada Elections Act, including rules around fundraising disclosure, foreign interference, and nomination processes, the riding name changes have emerged as a point of contention.
