Policies Constitutional documents
Place Names Policy
How Indigenous, settler, and minority-language place names are presented, ordered, and updated on Map.ca.
- Version
- 0.1.0
- Effective
- May 20, 2026
- Last reviewed
- May 20, 2026
- Review cycle
- every 24 months
- Master Policy Index entry
- §4 #50
Policy text
A map records who decides what places are called. The Place Names Policy defines presentation order on disputed or co-existing names, the review authority for Indigenous place names (Indigenous communities, not Map.ca), the path for community-initiated name changes, and the rule that erasure is never the default — when two names exist, both can be shown with appropriate primacy.
It applies to the Map.ca data team, Indigenous communities, municipalities, and any partner contributing place-name data.
Principles this policy enforces
- Public data and personal data are not the same thing
- Indigenous data sovereignty is foundational
- Community benefit must survive scale
What it requires
- Honour Indigenous review authority on Indigenous-named layers.
- Show co-existing names where both are in use.
What it forbids
- Do not erase Indigenous place names by default.
- Do not change place names unilaterally without community input.
How it applies
- Map.ca data team
- Indigenous communities
- Municipalities
- Partners contributing place-name data
References
- First Nations Information Governance Centre — OCAP principles
Related policies
Indigenous Data Sovereignty Policy
How Map.ca handles Indigenous community data, cultural places, traditional knowledge, names, language, heritage, and map layers.
Cultural Heritage Policy
How Map.ca handles cultural-heritage sites, including those identified by Indigenous communities and historic-preservation bodies.
Map.ca Policy Constitution
The non-negotiable values of the platform. Policy sits above growth, monetization, convenience, partnerships, and speed.