Vancouver’s Trutch Street renamed as part of reconciliation efforts
Posted September 30, 2022 6:56 pm.
Trutch Street in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood has been renamed to Musqueamview Street as a part of reconciliation efforts.
The new name was unveiled on Friday during a public ceremony at the Musqueam Indian Band reserve.
In July of 2021, Vancouver’s Mayor Kennedy Stewart proposed to city council renaming the street — after a request from the Musqueam Chief and Council.
The street was originally named after Sir Joseph William Trutch, B.C.’s first Lieutenant Governor.
But Trutch’s legacy has come under scrutiny in recent years.
Related Articles:
-
Vancouver’s Trutch Street to be renamed by Musqueam First Nation
-
‘It won’t take 10 years:’ Musqueam chief expects swift process to rename Vancouver’s Trutch Street
“Joseph Trutch, whose racist policies and refusal to acknowledge treaties and titles caused significant harm to the Indigenous people in B.C.,” Stewart said in a statement.
“As we strive to be a City of Reconciliation, we have to confront our past and reconsider the historical figures who we commemorate.”
In a tweet following city council’s initial approval of renaming the street, Stewart says this is something locals have been calling for more than 10 years.
I would like to thank @musqueam for requesting that we rename Trutch Street and for gifting the street its new name: šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmasəm.
Their partnership and generosity is invaluable as we all work together towards Reconciliation.
More in my statement below: pic.twitter.com/Dejhz6SEpg
— Kennedy Stewart (@kennedystewart) September 30, 2022
Stewart says that it was fitting for the ceremony to happen on the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
He also adds that the new street name “reflects the history and language of the original stewards of these lands.”
With files from Lisa Steacy
