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.
Requirements
- Honour Indigenous review authority on Indigenous-named layers.
- Show co-existing names where both are in use.
Prohibitions
- Do not erase Indigenous place names by default.
- Do not change place names unilaterally without community input.