A small park in Brampton has been given a new name in Anishinaabe as part of the city’s effort to remove street and park names councillors have described as “offensive.”
Whitewash Parkette, located on Culture Crescent, was officially renamed Mashkiki on Friday. The city said the word, which comes from Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), means “medicine” and symbolizes a connection to the land and the strength of Mother Earth.
The park was among several streets and parkettes flagged for renaming in 2022, including Whitewash Way, White Face Crescent, Native Landing and Native Landing Parkette. Councillor Rowena Santos raised the issue again in 2023, saying residents were asking what was being done to address the names.
In 2024, the city’s Equity Office began working with Indigenous community members through focus groups to find meaningful alternatives. That consultation process led to the selection of Mashkiki.
Mayor Patrick Brown praised the change in a social media post, calling it part of Brampton’s ongoing commitment to “honour the diverse histories that shape our community.”