The Ogimaa Mikana Project is an effort to restore Anishinaabemowin place-names to the streets, avenues, roads, paths, and trails of Gichi Kiiwenging (Toronto) – transforming a landscape that often obscures or makes invisible the presence of Indigenous peoples. Starting with a small section of Queen St., re-naming it Ogimaa Mikana (Leader’s Trail) in tribute to all the strong women leaders of the Idle No More movement, the Project hopes to expand throughout downtown and beyond.
Artist Julia Hepburn made the sign for Ogimaa Mikana. The documentation photos are by Hayden King and Susan Blight.
Hayden King is Anishinaabe from Gchimnissing (Beausoleil First Nation) in Huronia, Ont. He is an assistant professor of politics at Ryerson University.
Susan Blight is Anishinaabe from Couchiching First Nation. A visual artist, filmmaker, and arts educator, Susan is a committed student of the Ojibwe language. She currently lives and works in Toronto and is the host of Indigenous Waves radio show.
