Following a closed-door meeting on Nov. 5, Campbell River’s city council has officially backed a request from First Nations to restore the traditional Liǧʷiłdaxʷ ̌ names of three geographical locations in the city.
A letter dated Nov. 7 addressed to Trent Thomas, with the BC Geographical Names Society, says the city "values the significance" of the Nations' request. It also says it acknowledges the importance of preserving and respecting the heritage and culture of the Liǧʷiłdaxʷ̌ people.
"The City supports the application from Liǧʷiłdaxʷ ̌ Nations (We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and Kwiakah) to change the official names of Discovery Passage to “Liǧʷiłdaxʷ ̌ Passage”, Quinsam River to “Kʷənsəm”, and Tyee Spit to “ʔuxstalis”," it reads.
The letter of support comes after chiefs from the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum First Nations addressed the council on Oct. 24, expressing their disappointment and concern about remarks made during an Oct. 8 committee meeting.
READ MORE: Chief disappointed by Campbell River council's Indigenous place name remarks
Wei Wai Kum First Nation chief Chris Roberts said he was concerned by remarks about the request possibly being "out of step with current public opinion," as well as the comment that reconciliation is a positive step, but the "pace is debatable."
He urged the council to write a letter of support to the BC Geographical Names Society on the request. He also urged the council to be a leader and support reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Following the meeting,12 hereditary chiefs wrote a strongly worded letter to the council expressing their disappointment and frustration. They also said they were "appalled" by the remarks.
READ MORE: Hereditary chiefs scold Campbell River council over remarks about Indigenous place names
During a council meeting on Thursday evening (Nov. 7), Mayor Kermit Dahl clarified that the naming process is undertaken by the province - not the city. He said community engagement is important and public information sessions held by the province would be a "valuable learning opportunity" into the cultural significance of these name changes. He also thanked the public for reaching out to council to share feedback respectfully.
"It is encouraging to see the community weighing in and engaging on such an important topic," Dahl said.
The Nov. 7 letter urges the province to conduct public information sessions in Campbell River to promote awareness among its residents. The city also asks the province to work with the Liǧʷiłdaxʷ Nations to enhance community understanding of the cultural significance of name changes and ensure transparency throughout the process.
A letter from Mayor Kermit Dahl, dated Oct. 11, was also sent to the provincial names office, requesting public meetings to inform surrounding communities and allow them to provide input on the proposed changes. The council discussed the topic further in a private meeting on Nov. 5.
