ADAM OLSEN -- It's important that people know that the proposed change is an additive process, not a reductive one
I have received a few emails and phone calls
into my office about Bill 16 and specifically the proposed name change at John
Dean Provincial Park on the Saanich Peninsula.
As has been widely reported, Bill 16, which is currently working its way
through the legislative process, is a response to grade 3 students at the ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ School.
ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ / John Dean Provincial Park |
They actively lobbied me and Environment Minister
George Heyman to change the name of the mountain back to its traditional SENĆOŦEN
name, ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱.
I believe it's important that people know
that the proposed change is an additive process, not a reductive one. The name ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ will be added to
John Dean's name on the provincial park so it will now be known as ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ / John Dean
Provincial Park.
I recognize the sensitivity of place names
and monuments of our history. There are many emotions and feelings attached to
the mountain. Throughout this process, it’s been my approach to embrace our
diverse history and the opportunity to enrich our understanding of the place we
live.
The beautiful park is home to the last
remaining ancient trees on the Saanich Peninsula. They were saved from being
cut down because John Dean set aside the land on the top of the mountain. As a
result, we have a community asset to enjoy nature.
For a countless number of years, the mountain
has been a sacred place for the W̱SÁNEĆ
people and it carries a powerful story.
I’m thrilled that we
have the opportunity to celebrate the history of this important place through
an inclusive and collaborative process.
NOTE
... you can view the story published in the May 14th, 2019 edition of
the Sooke News Mirror
Adam
Olsen is the Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia for Saanich
North and the Islands
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