The result (of these changes) is new and strengthened relationships, greater understanding and connectivity and appreciation for the long history of these lands and waters, stated Olsen

To recognize Indigenous history and culture, the Power River Watershed Protected Area on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island has been renamed the Hisnit River Watershed Protected Area ... this from the BC provincial government.

The protected area is significant to the Ka:’yu:k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ (Kie-you-cut and Chek-le-seth) First Nations since the Power River Estuary is the location of a former village site called Hisnit (named for sockeye and the highly valued Hisnit River sockeye salmon run).

“The name is significant because most species of salmon, the elk herd and monumental cedar have always been in that area,” said Che:k’tles7et’h’ Tyee (Head Hereditary Chief) Francis Gillette. “The cedar stand is an important part of our tradition and cultural values, and the reason why Che:k’tles7et’h’ people came to this area in the past.”

The protected area was established in April 2011 to fulfill commitments regarding the harvest of monumental cedar and cypress trees for cultural purposes, including canoe carving.

According to George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, “Renaming some of our parks and protected areas to include Indigenous names is one small, but meaningful way to recognize and respect Indigenous culture and their deep connection to traditional lands”.

“We are committed to discussing more opportunities for reconciliation with Indigenous communities across the province and will consider more name changes that connect all of us with the history and original cultures of our province.”

When asked, Saanich North and the Islands MLA Adam Olsen stated to me, “These are great initiatives to begin reconnecting places and names. In the end the decision to change the name of a place or body is the result of a collaborative and consultative process.”

Changes to the names of parks and protected areas are considered by BC Parks on a case-by-case basis. The two other provincial parks renamed last year are Boya Lake Park in northwest B.C., which was renamed Tā Ch’ilā Park, and Roderick Haig-Brown Park near Kamloops, which was renamed Tsútswecw Provincial Park.

Also this year, John Dean Park in North Saanich was renamed ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱/John Dean Park so as to include the Indigenous name of the park’s mountain – a commentary by Adam Olsen, on this name change, appeared on the blog on May 18th.  

“The result (of these changes) is new and strengthened relationships, greater understanding and connectivity and appreciation for the long history of these lands and waters”, MLA Olsen concluded