Steps for Changing a Community Name

Overview

Community name changes should always start in the community.

We administer the process for changing the geographical name of a community (e.g., “Lynx River”), which are found on maps, road signs, etc. This does not affect the corporate business or official community government name of a community (e.g., “Corporation of the Village of Lynx River” or “Lynx River First Nation”). Communities should contact the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs for inquiries regarding the corporate names of communities.

The Part the Community Plays – Prepare and Submit a Proposal

  1. Compile basic information on the proposed community name change, including:
    • The proposed name.
    • The translation and meaning of the name (if applicable).
    • The reason for the community’s name change.
  2. Provide proof of local and regional support for the community name change, including:
    • If you are a First Nations Designated Authority Community, a Band Council Resolution indicating that the change is approved in the community.
    • If you are an Incorporated Community, the results of a plebiscite or opinion poll AND a Council Resolution supporting the change.
    • A letter of support from your Member of the Legislative Assembly.
    • A letter of support from the local and/or regional Indigenous government.
  3. Submit the proposal to:
    • Email: culturalplaces@gov.nt.ca
    • Mail: Cultural Places Officer, Culture and Heritage, Education, Culture, and Employment, Government of the Northwest Territories, P.O. Box 1320, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2L9

The Part We Play

  1. If necessary, confirm that there is public support for the community name change.
  2. Recommend the name change to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, who will present it to the Executive Council.
  3. If approved, submit the approved community name to the Canadian Geographical Names Database to ensure that the new community name will be used on government maps.
  4. Notify appropriate regional, territorial, and federal authorities of the community name change.
  5. Announce the name change, in the collaboration with the community, in the media.