Rename Park to Remember Mary Papatsie

Ottawa may soon have a park named in memory of Mary Papatsie, an Inuk woman whose death shocked the city and highlighted issues faced by Indigenous women. Councillor Stéphanie Plante of the Rideau-Vanier Ward has proposed renaming Emond Park to Mary Papatsie Park. This initiative is intended to honour Papatsie’s life and serve as a lasting reminder of the challenges and vulnerabilities Indigenous women often face in Canada.

Mary Papatsie went missing in April 2017, and her remains were discovered in September 2022 at a nearby construction site. Her death is still under investigation as a homicide. Renaming the park is seen as a respectful way to commemorate her life while raising awareness about the broader issues affecting Indigenous communities.

Who Was Mary Papatsie?

Mary Papatsie was originally from Pangnirtung, Nunavut, a remote community in Canada’s Arctic region. She moved to Ottawa in 2002, seeking new opportunities for herself and her family. Mary was the youngest of eight children, a mother to ten children, and a grandmother to one grandchild.

Her life in Ottawa, like many newcomers from Indigenous communities, was a mix of hope and challenges. Despite these challenges, Mary became known in her community for her warmth, kindness, and resilience. People who knew her often spoke about her caring nature and her involvement in local activities.

In April 2017, Mary went missing. The case drew attention because of the prolonged period before her remains were found. In September 2022, her remains were discovered at a construction site near Emond Park. The Ottawa Police Service continues to investigate her death as a possible homicide. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death have raised serious concerns about the safety of Indigenous women in urban centers.

Councillor’s Proposal

Councillor Stéphanie Plante proposed renaming Emond Park to honour Mary Papatsie. She believes the renaming would be a meaningful tribute, acknowledging Mary’s life and bringing attention to the challenges Indigenous women face in Canada.

Plante was particularly motivated by recent events in Ottawa, where some residents resisted plans for a proposed Inuit women’s shelter in the Hunt Club neighbourhood. These events highlighted ongoing prejudice and lack of support for Indigenous communities. By proposing this renaming, Plante hopes to promote respect, recognition, and awareness.

She has consulted with Papatsie’s family, who support the idea. Several Inuit community members and organizations in Ottawa have also expressed their approval. The proposal reflects a collaborative effort to honour Mary Papatsie while promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous people.

Emond Park and Its History

Emond Park is a small community park located near downtown Ottawa. It has been used by local residents for recreation, community events, and social gatherings. The park also features a herb garden and open spaces where people can walk, play, or relax.

Councillor Plante noted that Mary Papatsie enjoyed spending time in Emond Park. She took care of the herb garden and interacted with other park visitors. For many residents, Mary’s presence in the park was familiar and cherished. This connection makes Emond Park a meaningful location for a commemorative renaming.

By renaming Emond Park to Mary Papatsie Park, the city would not only honour her life but also create a space that encourages reflection, remembrance, and community awareness. The park could serve as a symbol of resilience and recognition for all missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls across Canada.

City Naming Policies

Currently, Ottawa’s commemorative naming policies require nominees to meet specific criteria. Nominees must have demonstrated excellence, courage, or exceptional service to the city, province, or country. They should also have an extraordinary record of community service or have made a significant contribution to city facilities.

Under these policies, renaming a park for Mary Papatsie is challenging because she was a victim rather than a public figure or community leader in the conventional sense. However, the city is reviewing its commemorative naming program. A new policy is expected to be presented in June 2025, which may allow for broader recognition of individuals who have had a meaningful impact or whose stories raise awareness about important social issues.

Councillor Plante plans to submit a motion to city council to approve the renaming once the public consultation process for the new policy concludes on May 31. This motion would ensure that Mary Papatsie’s legacy is formally acknowledged and commemorated in a public space.

Community Support

The proposal has received support from various community members, including Indigenous organizations, local residents, and activists. Many people feel that renaming the park would be a fitting tribute to Mary Papatsie and a meaningful reminder of her life.

Residents who frequented Emond Park shared memories of Mary, noting her kindness, friendliness, and care for the garden. Several community members emphasized that the park had become a place where Mary’s presence was felt and remembered. By officially renaming the park, her life and story could be preserved for future generations.

Community support is critical for such initiatives. By involving local voices and stakeholders, Councillor Plante hopes to create a sense of shared ownership and respect for Mary Papatsie’s memory.

Significance of the Renaming

Renaming the park would go beyond simply changing a name on a sign. It would serve as a lasting tribute to Mary Papatsie and highlight the importance of addressing issues related to the safety and well-being of Indigenous women.

Canada has a long history of systemic challenges faced by Indigenous communities, including missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Mary Papatsie’s story is a reminder of these challenges and the need for public awareness, community support, and policy reforms.

The park could become a place for community reflection, education, and healing. By commemorating Mary Papatsie, the city acknowledges not only her life but also the broader context of Indigenous women’s experiences in urban centers.

Broader Implications

The renaming of Emond Park reflects a growing recognition in Canadian cities of the need to honour Indigenous people and their stories. Across the country, there have been increasing calls to name public spaces after Indigenous individuals, leaders, and community members who have contributed to society or whose lives highlight important social issues.

By renaming Emond Park to Mary Papatsie Park, Ottawa sets an example of how local governments can acknowledge historical and ongoing injustices while creating spaces that foster understanding and respect. The initiative also encourages dialogue about Indigenous rights, social justice, and community solidarity.

Next Steps

Councillor Plante and the city will continue engaging with the public, Indigenous communities, and Mary Papatsie’s family as the proposal moves forward. The new city policy on commemorative naming will be a critical factor in determining the approval process.

Public consultations, community meetings, and discussions with stakeholders will help ensure that the decision is inclusive and reflects community values. If the renaming is approved, Emond Park will officially become Mary Papatsie Park, serving as a permanent reminder of her life, her family, and the importance of acknowledging Indigenous experiences.

The proposal to rename Emond Park to Mary Papatsie Park is a significant step for Ottawa. It honours the life of an Inuk woman who tragically died while highlighting the broader issues faced by Indigenous women in Canada.

Mary Papatsie’s story reminds the city and its residents of the importance of community awareness, respect, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Renaming the park would not only commemorate her life but also serve as a space for education, reflection, and community solidarity.

As Ottawa continues to review its commemorative naming policies, this initiative offers a meaningful example of how public spaces can be used to celebrate lives, raise awareness, and foster understanding across communities. Mary Papatsie Park would stand as a lasting tribute to a woman whose story deserves recognition, remembrance, and respect.