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Savage Lake Briefing – Updated February 8, 2016 – Page 1 of 1 <br />Savage Lake Re-Naming Briefing <br />For Little Canada City Council & Staff <br />Updated February 8, 2016 <br /> <br /> <br />Savage Lake <br />Summary: It is the position of a number of individuals and institutions that the name of Savage Lake <br />should be changed to something more respectful via a community process. Ramsey County Historical <br />Society and Ramsey County are working together to advance this process. The Department of Natural <br />Resources has the authority to execute the name change and the support of the City of Little Canada <br />City Council and the Ramsey County’s Board of Commissioners will be essential in making this change. <br /> <br />Background: Savage Lake received that name from French fur-traders that encountered the Kaposia <br />Band of Eastern Dakota encamped at the lake hunting. The term has always held a negative connotation <br />and this has only become more pronounced over the intervening centuries. <br /> <br />Several years ago a gentleman named Rocky Waite began working towards changing the name of the <br />lake. Organizations contacted by Mr. Waite and others include the City of Little Canada, Department of <br />Natural Resources, and Ramsey County, as well as the Little Canada Historical Society. There is <br />widespread support for changing this name to something more respectful. It is important that this be <br />done in a way that recognizes and honors local history while at the same time fostering a community <br />conversation that builds understanding of the effect such names have on our community at large. <br /> <br />Proposed Objectives: <br />1. Host two community forums to engage the community in the discussion. <br />2. Preserve and present the history of Savage Lake, the dialogue about change, and the new name. <br />3. Maintain a positive dialogue with all stakeholders. <br />4. Resolutions of support from all interested parties. <br />