Name Wars: When Patriotism Goes Off-Key

The recent spat over the naming of Lake Ontario has been a fascinating case study in patriotism, national identity, and the power of language. At its core, this debate is not just about a body of water; it’s about what we choose to call home and how that choice reflects our values.

Blue Rodeo frontman Jim Cuddy recently told CBC Radio that singing “Lake Ontario” with full authority and ownership at their concert along the lake’s shore was a moment of unbridled joy. The audience roared out the line, embracing the symbolism of a name that has been part of Canadian heritage for centuries.

President Donald Trump’s executive order to change the lake’s name to “Lake America” is part of a broader strategy of rebranding and reshaping American identity. This move seeks to erase historical and cultural distinctions in favor of a more monolithic, nationalist agenda. The argument that Lake Ontario should be renamed “Lake America” relies on flimsy grounds.

As Prime Minister Mark Carney pointed out, the lake’s name comes from the Wendat word “Ontari’io,” meaning “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big.” This etymology has been a matter of record for centuries. It’s disingenuous to suggest that its meaning can be easily rewritten or rebranded.

The debate over Lake Ontario’s name speaks to a deeper anxiety about national identity and belonging in an increasingly interconnected world. We’re faced with choices between competing narratives: do we opt for the broad strokes of patriotism, or the nuanced complexities of cultural heritage? Cuddy’s comments on Blue Rodeo’s concert offer some insight into this dilemma.

By embracing the name “Lake Ontario,” Cuddy and his audience were asserting their connection to a place that has been part of Canadian history for generations. This moment also raises questions about the role of artists in times of national crisis. Cuddy’s decision to stick with his team – in this case, Canada – is a refreshingly straightforward stance on a matter of principle.

However, what does it mean when artists choose not to engage with such issues? Does their silence imply complicity or neutrality? In recent years, we’ve seen a growing trend towards cultural nationalism and the commodification of patriotism. From Apple’s decision to change the name of Lake Ontario on its maps to President Trump’s executive order, there’s a clear attempt to reshape American identity in line with nationalist priorities.

As Canadians, it’s tempting to view this as an external threat – something that can be easily dismissed or ignored. But the truth is more complex: these debates are happening within our own communities, where competing narratives about national identity and belonging are being debated and contested.

The story of Lake Ontario offers a unique window into this struggle. As we navigate the complexities of cultural heritage and national identity, it’s essential to remember that language – including names and labels – has real-world consequences. When we choose what to call our shared spaces, we’re making statements about who we are and where we come from.

In the end, Cuddy’s words on Blue Rodeo’s concert offer a fitting conclusion to this story: it’s not just about singing along to a song; it’s about finding a sense of belonging in a world that’s increasingly divided.