It has been more than two months since the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission tabled their report for British Columbia in the House of Commons. Their mandate ‘was to propose new boundaries for federal electoral districts in the province to maximize voter parity while taking into consideration social and geographic factors, including respect for communities of interest or identity.’ Yet the commission has not yet responded to First Nations suggestions that they drop the name ‘Powell’ from North Island – Powell River.”

In response to a request from the Tla’amin First Nation, Rachel Blaney is asking the Electoral Boundary Commission to change the name of our riding to ‘North Island qathet.’ 

Blaney explained, “the North Island component of my riding is very similar to the provincial riding, which is also called North Island. So that part is a fine and a good name that makes sense. On the other side of my riding, of course, is a huge chunk  of the mainland. I have a neighbor here with me in committee today and we share an area in common. That is the Powell River part of my riding, which is reflective of just one community, not the many communities that are represented.”

“My suggestion to the commission is to change the word Powell River to the word qathet. This is a name that the Tla’amin Nation to the regional district of Powell River, and they received it with much graciousness and then changed their regional name, their district to reflect that name ette. If you go to that area now, you’ll see a lot of businesses and organizations have changed their name from Powell River to reflect the more regional approach, if that means working together. I really respect the nation’s name and the presentation of that name.”

Hegus John Hackett of the Tla’amin First Nation stated, in a press release, “The proposed electoral riding name change is a small and tangible step on our reconciliation pathway, but is one that will have great impact for Tla’amin Nation and our citizens,” says Hegus John Hackett in a press relase. “Israel Wood Powell, for whom the City is named after, has caused deep suffering in our community, which continues to affect us to this day. Tla’amin Nation appreciates MP Rachel Blaney’s ongoing support and reconciliatory effort her office shows for our community and our Sister Nations through initiatives like this.” 

Chief Stephen Brown of the Klahoose First Nation, Chief Darren Blaney of the Homalco First Nation and Chief Councillor Ken Price of the K’omoks First Nation have all endorsed the change.

Blaney continued, “I recommend that the name, of course now be ‘North Island qathet’ and recognize that the nations that are related to Tla’amin,  K’omks, Homalco and Klahoose have a shared culture and language have all agreed to this change and respect that I’ve had a conversation with the Powell River Mayor.”

“He did not express any concerns at the time, and I also just want to make sure that the. Committee understands that the name Powell River was named after Israel Wood Powell, who was the first superintendent for Indian Affairs in British Columbia, and the chief architect of Colonial policies, including residential schools and the banning of the potlatch. And it is my understanding that he never came to the community.” 

Top image credit: Looking out form Lund Harbour in qathet – Photo by Dale SImonson via Flickr (CC BY SA, 2.0 License)

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