Two Sunshine Coast communities renamed to reflect Indigenous heritage

Posted August 20, 2021 10:53 am.

Last Updated August 20, 2021 10:59 am.

SUNSHINE COAST (NEWS 1130) — Two communities in B.C. are getting a name change, to reflect the traditional territory of the Indigenous peoples.

The B.C. government announced Thursday Wilson Creek will be called ts’uḵw’um, which refers to an important shíshálh village site.

The ‘ts’ sounds like the ‘ts’ ‘cats’, but it has a throat-catch. The ‘kw’ sounds like the ‘qu’ in English ‘quote’, but is produced farther back in the mouth, also with a throat-catch. Both ‘u’ sounds are pronounced like the ‘o’ in ‘go’. The ‘m’ is pronounced like an ‘m’ in English. The first syllable has strong stress, according to the B.C. government website.

“Recognizing the original names of the area has great meaning to our people and is one aspect of revitalizing our language,” said hiwus (Chief) Warren Paull of the shíshálh Nation.

Listen to a pronouncer.

“The District of Sechelt council is pleased to have supported the return of Wilson Creek to its original name, ts’u?w’um. This is one small but important part of building relationships, cultural awareness, respect and reconciliation,” Sechelt Mayor Darnelda Siegers said.

Saltery Bay has been renamed s?elhp, which is an ancient name for the area whose meaning has been lost over time.

It’s pronounced ‘skuh-they-p’ and the k sound is produced father back in the mouth.

Listen to a pronouncer

Watch Related:

Neither name is capitalized.

The province says the renaming effort is part of the work to advance reconciliation and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“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.”

It comes following a 2018 Foundation Agreement between the shíshálh Nation and the provincial government to honour the history of the area. The agreement also includes the transfer of land, funds for timber purchases and commitments to shared decision-making.

The restored names are in cooperation with the shíshálh Nation and discussions about the changes were conducted in 2020.

Submit a Correction

Accessibility Feedback