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 14^th, 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