Cumberland Park Renamed to Wasioto Park in Nashville

News Summary

Nashville is honoring its Indigenous heritage by renaming Cumberland Park to Wasioto Park. This change reflects a broader movement to recognize Indigenous contributions and history. The city council’s unanimous support and community input highlight a shared commitment to acknowledging the past.

Nashville’s Cumberland Park Gets a New Name: Wasioto Park to Honor Indigenous Heritage

Nashville, known for its vibrant music scene and rich history, is making a heartfelt change that honors the city’s Indigenous roots. The beloved Cumberland Park will now be known as Wasioto Park, a tribute to the Indigenous peoples who inhabited the banks of the Cumberland River long before the city’s founding and colonization.

A Step Forward for Indigenous Recognition

The initiative to rename the park stemmed from a passionate campaign led by Albert Bender, chairperson of the Indigenous Peoples Coalition. Bender kicked off the campaign in August, aiming to reclaim the ancient Shawnee name for the river, known as Wasioto since the 1670s and 1680s. This effort has been a significant part of a broader movement across the nation to honor and recognize Indigenous names and the contributions of Indigenous communities.

Council and Community Support

The Nashville city council showed its support for the name change by voting in favor of it, leading to a joyful victory celebration for the coalition in early December. The celebration wasn’t just a political event; it brought the community together, with attendees sharing in a communal meal that highlighted unity and solidarity. Such gatherings serve as a reminder of the importance of community and shared heritage.

Public Response and Next Steps

A public input process, which saw a substantial turnout of 236 responses, indicated overwhelming support for the name change, with 88% backing the move. This feedback undoubtedly played a crucial role in the decision-making process, making it clear that many residents of Nashville are in favor of acknowledging the city’s Indigenous history.

In a recent vote, the Nashville Metro Parks Board unanimously agreed to rename the park, which first opened in 2012 and is situated on the scenic East Bank of the Cumberland River. This decision comes at a crucial time as plans for future developments in the area, including a new stadium for the Tennessee Titans, unfold, making it important to reflect on the surrounding history.

Celebrating Indigenous Heritage

Bender views the name change as a monumental step forward in recognizing the history of Indigenous peoples in Nashville. The Metro Parks Board reiterated that any financial implications of the renaming, such as new signage, would fall on the requesting organization, which has expressed commitment to covering those costs.

Community discussions held by the board emphasized the importance of including Indigenous perspectives in local dialogues, ensuring that these voices are heard as Nashville continues to grow and evolve. Bender highlighted how recognizing Indigenous history and contributions enriches the city’s identity as a whole.

Building Solidarity Across Indigenous Communities

At the same time, it’s essential to acknowledge that solidarity exists across various Indigenous groups. Voices like Loraine Segovia Paz from the Quechua community echoed this sentiment, showcasing how shared heritage binds different Indigenous peoples together in their pursuit of reclaiming their histories and identities.

A Bright Future Ahead

As development plans for the area move forward, the footprint of Wasioto Park may change, but the intention behind the name change remains steadfast. The park’s transformation signifies much more than just a new sign; it marks a critical moment for Indigenous recognition and a part of a growing national movement to remove colonial names from Indigenous lands.

In conclusion, Nashville’s transition from Cumberland Park to Wasioto Park is not just about changing a name; it is a significant step toward embracing the heritage of the land’s original inhabitants. The move represents Nashville’s commitment to honoring its past, recognizing its deep-rooted history, and fostering a richer, more inclusive community for everyone.