Dalhousie School renamed to Aniibiminan School

Pembina Trails School Division, along with its Board of Trustees, is proud to announce the renaming of Dalhousie School to Aniibiminan School.

Aniibiminan (uh-NEE-bih-mih-nahn), from which the word “Pembina” originates, is the Anishinaabemowin word for “summer berries”. It represents living in good relationship with the land, where food, like the highbush cranberry, connects people to place, community, and culture. The new name was chosen in consultation with divisional language and knowledge keepers.

“This new name reflects our commitment to learning from and honouring Indigenous languages, cultures, and ways of knowing,” said Shelley Amos, Superintendent of Pembina Trails School Division. “Aniibiminan captures a deep sense of connection to the land on which the school lies and the adjacent forest, which the school regularly uses for outdoor education and land-based learning. It speaks to the values of reconciliation and inclusion we strive to uphold across our division.”

Dalhousie School was originally named after Dalhousie Drive, the street on which it was built. Dalhousie Drive, in turn, was named after Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, reflecting a Fort Richmond tradition of naming many streets after universities.

A report from the University of Dalhousie found that Lord Dalhousie held views and enacted policies during his time as governor of Nova Scotia in the 1800s that negatively impacted Black people in Canada. In light of this history and desiring to reflect the school’s diverse K–5 community—where students and staff come from around the world and speak more than 35 languages—school and divisional administration sought a more inclusive, locally meaningful name that aligns with the school’s motto, “Our differences make us stronger”.

“Our Board is committed to fostering inclusive and respectful learning environments where every student feels that they belong,” said Cindy Nachtigall, Chair of the Pembina Trails Board of Trustees. “This commitment is reflected every day through the work of our staff and programming in classes, and it needs to be evident in every aspect of our schools. That starts with having a name that conveys that commitment.”

The new name will be implemented across the school community in the coming months, including updated signage, communications, and materials.