Trans Canada Trail

NATIVE ROOTS

The Trans Canada Trail is a great common path back to nature.

The path across Canada on the Trans Canada Trail is also a journey into the languages of the original peoples of Canada who spoke a multitude of tongues. The spirit of these many languages lives on as "place-names" along or near the Trail. And while many have been altered through European phonetic translations from their original sounds, these place-names of Native origin give Canada its unique character on the maps and in the minds of many in the world.

To the world the name Canada suggests a large and beautiful country, reflecting much of this land's rugged nature and its enterprising people. The word comes from "KANATA" - meaning a cluster of dwellings - which the HURON and the IROQUOIS used to describe the place which isnow the present site of Quebec City. Jacques Cartier first heard this wondrous word in 1535 and began using "CANADA" on various maps that he drew up after his historic voyages to the New World. Three centuries later, in 1860, the word was officially adopted to "one Dominion under the name of Canada."

Today, there's fifty-two different First People's languages in Canada. Many of our place-name words are from these languages while others are from languages that are sadly lost. In many instances the real meaning of the names are questionable and often the language source is uncertain. But whatever their roots, most Native place-names describe an outstanding physical feature while others may denote a significant incident or are associated with some specific activity. Below are just a few of the many Native place-names on our maps.

~~Niagara "thunder of waters"
~~Mississauga "large outlet"
~~Keewatin "north wind"
~~Ottawa "traders"
~~Quebec "narrow passage"
~~Saskatchewan "swift flowing river"
~~Kamloops "meeting of the waters"
~~Resitgouche "fine river"
~~Winnipeg "murkey waters"
~~Toronto "meeting place"
~~Tuktoyaktuk "reindeer that looks like caribou"

In addition many Canadian place-names reflect Native origins, such as Iroquois Falls, Sioux Lookout, Stony Plain, Cree Lake, Algonquin Park, Lake Erie and Lake Huron. While other place-names are really English translations of the original Native designations, such as Moose Jaw, Medicine Hat, Yellowknife, Peace River, Swift Current, Thunder Bay, Red Deer and Crowsnest Pass.

On Canada's maps and along the Trail, the languages of the First Peoples' have left their mark and made us all richer through their melodious sounds and descriptive meanings.

Come and learn about the pavilions, this is your last stop along the Trans Canada Trail, please choose the next button.

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