Two place names on the Sunshine Coast have been restored to their traditional she shashishalhem names.
Both the community and creek formerly known as Wilson Creek are once again called ts'uḵw'um. This name refers to an important shíshálh village site, and while similar to a word that means “fresh water” or “tasteless,” the meaning or origin of the name is unknown, according to the BC Geographical Names website.
Wilson Creek had been the official name of the community since July 28, 1945.
The name changes became official as of March 26, but shíshálh Nation and the province issued a joint press release on Aug. 19 to formally announce the changes.
The other name change is sḵelhp, the current and historic name of the water feature of Saltery Bay.
“This is a good step on the path of reconciliation,” hiwus (Chief) Warren Paull said in the release. “Recognizing the original names of the area has great meaning to our people and is one aspect of revitalizing our language. We appreciate the support of our provincial and regional district partners. Working together, we are charting a new, respectful and co-operative future for shíshálh members and all those who live within our swiya.”
The changes stem from the Foundation Agreement, which was signed by the province and the shíshálh Nation in 2018. The agreement included a commitment to explore identifying and recommending traditional names for some geographical features and locations in the shíshálh swiya within five years of the agreement’s effective date.
Restoring Indigenous place names is also part of the province’s implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
“Colonial policy and the residential school system tried to extinguish Indigenous language and culture,” said Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “By restoring these ancient place names, we respect and honour the shíshálh Nation’s deep connection with the swiya and to their language and culture.”
The restoration of ts'uḵw'um was supported by both the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) and District of Sechelt.
In the press release, SCRD board chair Lori Pratt said, “We celebrate these name changes along with the shíshálh Nation and continue to offer our support as they work to further restore their place names in the region.”
A comment period was held from Jan. 20 to Dec. 31, 2020.
shíshálh Nation has also proposed changing the name of Madeira Park to salalus, but the comment period has been postponed until further notice, according to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.
