Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Nahanni Butte (Mar 08/02) - A proposition to rename Virginia Falls in honour of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau isn't holding water in Nahanni Butte.

Residents here are up in arms over Nahendeh MLA Jim Antoine's suggestion that the falls should receive a new moniker, according to band manager Pauline Campbell.

"They would like to stick with (Virginia) or, if they want to change it, change it to an aboriginal name," she said. "Everybody feels strongly against the name change."

At the community's request, Antoine flew into Nahanni Butte Tuesday and met with residents on the matter.

Following the meeting, Jayne Konisenta, a band councillor, said Antoine was conciliatory.

"He said that it's up to the community and he's here to listen. If they oppose, he's not going to push it. It's up to the community what they want to do," she said. Most residents found out about Antoine's proposal through the media, according to Campbell.

"They (some elders) called here and asked what's going on. We told them that they want to change the name, but they haven't said anything to us in Nahanni," she said.

Antoine told the Drum last week that he mentioned the idea to Nahanni Butte Chief Leon Konisenta, who he said expressed no objections.

Campbell said she approached Konisenta about it and he said he didn't know why they want to change the name.

Konisenta was travelling and unavailable for comment Tuesday.

Jayne Konisenta, who was among four councillors and several community members and students to attend Tuesday's meeting, said another community meeting will be held to decide how the issue should ultimately be handled.

"As a councillor ... my job is to listen to the people," she said.