Section Of Sunset To Be Named Turtle Island Walk

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The University of Windsor has a new name for the now closed section of Sunset on the main campus.

The University had been seeking suggestions to rename two former thoroughfares that are now closed to cars and are important pedestrian walkways through the campus.  These include the section of Sunset Avenue between University Avenue and Wyandotte Street, and the section of Patricia Road that used to intersect the campus and is now a walkway past historic Dillon Hall.

The name that has been chosen for the pedestrianized section of Sunset Avenue is Turtle Island Walk.

The University says that this name is in recognition of the First Nations history of the land that the University of Windsor sits on. Many indigenous cultures refer to North America as Turtle Island, and it is along Sunset Avenue where the University’s Aboriginal Student Centre, that bears the name of Turtle Island, was located.

They also point out that there are many references in aboriginal culture, including that of the Anishinaabe, to the seven teachings, each represented by an animal.  They are Truth, Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, and Humility.  They are represented by the Turtle, the Beaver, the Eagle, the Buffalo, the Bear, the Raven, and the Wolf, respectively.  The Turtle, as part of Turtle Island Walk, represents Truth, which must be at the heart of the pursuits of a University.  Along Turtle Island Walk there are six prominent seating locations that have been installed.  Each of these will be named after the remaining six animals in recognition of their teachings, which like Truth, all speak to values that can make our University a better place.

In the Fall Semester, there will be a ceremony to officially unveil the new name of Turtle Island Walk and signage for the walkway and seating areas.