An official name for the August Civic holiday in North Bay is coming

North Bay’s civic holiday in August will have a name next year.

CityCouncil passed a resolution last night to have the civic holiday reflect the true friendship between North Bay and Nipissing First Nation.

The idea came from conversations between Mayor Al McDonald and Nipissing First Nation Chief Scott McLeod.

McDonald says the city and the first nation work together on many issues.

He says there is a strong friendship and bond between the city and the first nation and that should be formally recognized.

He says the city and Nipissing First Nation residents will be consulted on a possible name.

Tracy Restoule of the Nipissing First Nation thinks this is a great idea.

She says this may be a baby step but it’s also a giant step.

Restoule says North Bay is officially embracing the large indigenous culture in and around North Bay.