An area of Jasper National Park near Miette Campground/Rogier Gruys

A campground in Jasper National Park formerly known as Pocahontas is being temporarily renamed Miette as park officials and the Indigenous community work toward a permanent choice.

The Advisory Group of the Jasper Indigenous Forum — composed of more than 25 First Nations and Métis groups with historical ties to the park — has been working with Parks Canada to find an appropriate name for three sites since 2020.

“We honour Pocahontas as one of many Indigenous women who have gone missing or have been murdered across North America,” says a written consensus statement from forum members. “It is important for all visitors to Jasper National Park to understand that many of the place and site names within the park were not chosen by the Indigenous people who have called these places home for millennia. Taking the time to properly rename these sites is one small step towards truth and reconciliation in Canada. As a group, we encourage Canadians and international visitors to educate themselves on Canada's brutal history towards Indigenous people.”

Parks Canada says the campground’s previous name was linked to coal. In 1908, coal claims were struck in Alberta, one of which became a mine named “Pocahontas.” The name was inspired by the successful coal-mining community of Pocahontas, Virginia. The Alberta mine operated until 1921 and the final resident of a settlement in the park's east end near the mine later left by 1937.

The temporary name is a nod to the fact Miette Campground sits on Miette Road, which leads people along the Miette River to the Miette Hot Springs

“The interim renaming of Miette will allow the time needed to continue discussions to ensure community members of all ages see their culture and language reflected back on these lands of enduring significance,” said Jasper field unit superintendent Alan Fehr in a news release.

For now, the name Miette Campground will appear on all signs before the season opens as well as correspondence and reservations. It will be reflected in the names of the area's warden cabin and hiking trail. Visitors seeking reservations will find "Miette Campground" under its new temporary name for booking purposes.

Miette will continue to serve as a seasonal campground from June to September that offers 140 sites with basic services, including running water, fire rings and flush toilets. It’s best suited for tents and motorhomes or trailers under eight metres (27 feet).

“Honouring connection to place is an important element for actions and outcomes related to reconciliation,” says Parks Canada. “Acknowledging that the cultures and identities of Indigenous peoples are rooted in the land, Parks Canada is committed to ensuring Indigenous connections are honoured, and Indigenous rights respected.”