A new name for the section of Sunset Avenue between University Avenue and Wyandotte Street honours the First Nations history of the land that the University of Windsor sits on.

This pedestrianized section of the former street will become Turtle Island Walk, UWindsor president Alan Wildeman announced Tuesday.

“Many indigenous cultures refer to North America as Turtle Island,” he said. “And along Sunset Avenue is where the University’s Aboriginal Student Centre, that bears the name of Turtle Island, was located. When we asked for naming suggestions from the campus community, many suggested a name that would reflect our First Nations.”

He noted that many aboriginal cultures reference seven teachings, each represented by an animal: Truth (the turtle), Wisdom (the beaver), Love (the eagle), Respect (the buffalo), Bravery (the bear), Honesty (the raven), and Humility (the wolf).

“The turtle represents truth, which must be at the heart of the pursuits of a university,” Dr. Wildeman said.

The six seating pods installed along this route will each bear the name of one of the remaining six animals, he said: “Like truth, all speak to values that can make our University a better place.”

A new name for the stretch of the former Patricia Road that is now a walkway past Dillon Hall is coming next week. A ceremony this fall will unveil signage for these thoroughfares and the seating areas.