The city of Campbell River is supporting a Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ [pronounced Lee-gweeth-dowkh] Nations request to change the official names of Discovery Passage to “Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Passage”, Quinsam River to “Kʷənsəm,” and Tyee Spit to “ʔuxstalis [pronounced Oox-sta-lease].”

It has been three months since the BC Geographical Names Office informed the city of the proposed changes. 

The Chiefs of We Wai Kum Nation and We Wai Kai Nation, the two largest Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Nations, explained their position at the October 24 city council meeting.

“I’m here today to give a little bit more background, a little more context to our initiative: to explain how important it is to us, for our communities and for our people, and just to reinforce and strengthen the importance of our efforts to work collaboratively in the spirit of reconciliation,” explained Chief Chris Roberts of the We Wai Kum Nation.

Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ peoples were in the Discovery Passage long before the Europeans ‘discovered’ it.

“Kʷənsəm” (Quinsam) is a Coast Salish word and the river bearing this name was once part of the traditional territory of the K’omoxs First Nation.  It passed to the Lig”itdax after a conflict between the two nations which ended with a marriage between noble families.

There were once several longhouses on the Tyee Spit. The Ligw”itdax name for it has been translated as ‘beach on the back side’ or ‘where the land ends.’

“I’ve always been told that the land wants to hear the language of its ancestors,” Jamie Bryant told MyCampbellRiverNow.

She is the author of a petition on change.org supporting the name changes.  

“This act alone will not erase the centuries of cultural erasure, but it is a step towards acknowledging our history, uplifting our community’s identity, and honouring generations past, present, and future. It could even save a life. Please sign this petition and join us as we aim to restore, protect, and celebrate our shared histories and identities,” Bryant wrote.

As of 7:00 AM today, 584 people have signed.

At the city’s November 7 council meeting, Mayor Kermit Dahl pointed out “the renaming process is undertaken by the province’s Geographical Names Office and not the city.”

Council never-the-less supported the adoption of Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ names and on November 8 staff sent out a press release stating:

“The City values the significance of these proposed changes and recognizes the importance of preserving and respecting the heritage and culture of the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ people. The letter of support encouraged the Province to hold public information sessions in Campbell River to allow residents to become well-informed and the City hopes to work with the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Nations to further community understanding, provide insight into the cultural significance of the name changes and ensure transparency throughout the process. The City also looks forward to collaborating with the Province to ensure a respectful and productive dialogue.” 

Links of Interest:

• August 19, 2024 letter from the BC Geographical Names Office to the city of Campbell River
• Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Name Changes For Campbell River Area (Sep 30, 2024)
• Campbell River Place Names Proposal: Update (Nov 1, 2024)
• Highlights of the city of Campbell River Council Meeting of Nov 7, 2024

Top image credit: Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Passage, between Campbell River and Quathiaski Cove – Photo by David Stanley via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

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