Nenshi says renaming Langevin Bridge an appropriate symbolic gesture

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi says he is looking into the idea of the cityrenaming the Langevin Bridge over its link to residential schools.

The bridge was named after Hector-Louis Langevin, who wasone of the architects of the residential school system.

"I have been seeking different perspectives on this from First Nations people, from our advisory committee, from historians and so on about what that might look like and I really look forward to bringing something to this council in the upcoming weeks and months," he said.

Nenshi said finding a new name wouldbe an appropriate symbolic gesturein the wake of the report by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

The commission's report, delivered last month, documents the roleof the residential school systemin the destruction of aboriginal cultures and languages through theassimilation ofaboriginal children.

The report calls for Canada to move from apology to action to address the impact of the residential schools.

Nenshisays the city should do what they can to supporta national reconciliation effort with Canada's aboriginal people.

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission urges Canada to confront 'cultural genocide' of residential schools
• Truth and Reconciliation report brings calls for action, not words
• Langevin Bridge petition requests name change over residential school link

Speaking at ceremonies held to mark the beginning of Aboriginal Awareness Daysin Calgary, MayorNenshisaid Canada's greatest failure has been its inability to share the prosperity and opportunities of this country with First Nations people.

Coun. Diane Colley-Urquhart has asked the city to look into what actions can be taken to improve life for urban aboriginals.

"Urban aboriginal issues have been around for a long time and been festering for a long time and it's really important that we commit ourselves to work more collaboratively and to find solutions and to invest in our First Nations communities," she said.