The British Columbia government is pushing to change the topographic names of several iconic geographical features near Campbell River and Quadra Island to titles in the Lik ̓wala Nations language.
Pending a request from the Liǧwiłdaxw Nations (Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai, and Kwiakah Nations), BC’s Geographical Names Office, which is entrusted with managing name changes of natural features belonging to the province, recently contacted Campbell River City Council to gather comments about the proposal.
British Columbia is considering renaming the Tyee Spit, Discovery Passage and Quinsam River to ʔuxstalis, Liǧwiłdax̌w and Kwənsəm respectively – all terms belonging to the Lik ̓wala language and alphabet.
In a letter dated Aug. 19, provincial toponymist Trent Thomas informed Mayor Kermit Dahl and Campbell River City council that the province was moving forward with the request.
“In accordance with the BC Geographical Naming Policy and Procedures, before any naming decisions are made, it is important to ascertain if there are other known traditional names for these features, and that the proposed names reflect the heritage values in the area,” wrote Thomas.
“As an identified government, we are requesting any comments you have on behalf of your communities on these proposed place name changes.”
True North reached out to the BC Geographical Names Office for comment but did not receive a response.
Among the proposed changes is the renaming of Discovery Passage to “Liǧwiłdax̌w Passage.” The new name, meaning “unkillable” in the traditional Lik’wala language.
The passage is currently named after HMS Discovery, the ship used by Captain George Vancouver during his 18th-century exploration of the Pacific Northwest and the strait between Campbell River and the Discovery Islands. The sloop, which played a key role in charting the region, symbolizes the era of exploration that contributed to the establishment of British Columbia as we know it today.
Also on the list for renaming is Quinsam River, proposed to become “Kwənsəm,” derived from an Island-Comox Salish word meaning “resting place.” The current name is an Anglicization of the traditional Indigenous word. Quinsam River has long been recognized by residents and visitors alike as part of the region’s natural beauty.
Lastly, Tyee Spit, a popular location for recreational activities, may be renamed “ʔuxstalis,” which could mean “beach on the back side” or “where the land ends.” The current name, Tyee, comes from the Chinook Jargon word for “chief,” and is famously associated with chinook salmon fishing. Other features in British Columbia bear the name including: Tyee Butte, two Tyee Creeks, Tyee Glacier, two Tyee Lakes, and Tyee Mountain.
This is not the first time concerns have been raised over the BC NDP government’s to push for renaming in the name of decolonization and diversity efforts. Earlier this year, the BC NDP government sparked controversy when it updated a writing guide for Indigenous content, urging people to avoid the term “British Columbians,” claiming it excludes Indigenous Peoples and other groups such as immigrants and refugees.
The guide suggested using the term “people living in B.C.” instead, a recommendation that has been met with skepticism by many residents who feel that the province’s heritage is being sidelined.
Although the government pledged that prior names would be reserved in the historical record local Campbell River residents are left without answers on whether the heritage of settlers and explorers will be respected alongside Indigenous history.
