Black Creek Pioneer Village to Undergo Name Change, Shift Focus to Indigenous Narrative

Black Creek Pioneer Village, located near Toronto, Ontario, is set to undergo a significant name change later this year as part of its efforts to refocus its narrative on Indigenous perspectives.

The museum, currently known as Black Creek Pioneer Village, has been collaborating closely with various First Nations groups, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, Mississaugas of Scugog Island, Chippewas of Rama, Chippewas of Georgina Island, and Six Nations of the Grand River.

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) board voted last April to rename the museum as “The Village at Black Creek,” with the change expected to take effect in the fall.

Wendy Rowney, the general manager at the Village, emphasized the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives into the museum’s narrative by making all threads of history visible.

The collaborative project, facilitated by York University and Jumblies Theatre, aims to revamp the museum’s exhibits to reflect a more accurate historical narrative that includes Indigenous communities.

As part of this initiative, the museum has already installed Indigenous artworks and installations throughout the Village, adding a new dimension to the visitor experience.

The museum’s goal is to provide a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of the settlement history in 19th-century Ontario, representing both the pioneer communities and the Indigenous peoples that were impacted.

The TTC‘s neighboring Pioneer Village Station, however, does not currently have plans to change its name to align with the museum’s rebranding.