I have received a few emails and phone calls into my office about Bill 16 and specifically the proposed name change at John Dean Provincial Park on the Saanich Peninsula.
As has been widely reported, Bill 16, which is currently working its way through the legislative process, is a response to grade 3 students at the ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ School. They actively lobbied me and Minister George Heyman to change the name of the mountain back to its traditional SENĆOŦEN name, ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱.
I believe it’s important that people know that the proposed change is an additive process, not a reductive one. The name ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ will be added to John Dean’s name on the provincial park so it will now be known as ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱/John Dean Provincial Park.
I recognize the sensitivity of place names and monuments of our history. There are many emotions and feelings attached to the mountain. Throughout this process, it’s been my approach to embrace our diverse history and the opportunity to enrich our understanding of the place we live.
The beautiful park is home to the last remaining ancient trees on the Saanich Peninsula. They were saved from being cut down because John Dean set aside the land on the top of the mountain. As a result, we have a community asset to enjoy nature. For a countless number of years, the mountain has been a sacred place for the W̱SÁNEĆ people and it carries a powerful story.
I’m thrilled that we have the opportunity to celebrate the history of this important place through an inclusive and collaborative process.
View story published in the Sooke News Mirror on May 14, 2019
I attended the change of name ceremony when the name Queen Charlotte Islands was put in a ceremonial box and given back to then premier Gordon Campbell. It was a very moving experience to see the name Haida Gwaii given back to those very special islands. My Haida friend Candace White said “I live on Haida Gwaii…..always have done.” The importance of restoring traditional names is very powerful. At the same time I see the importance of retaining, certainly in this case, the settler names John Dean Park and Mount Newton, as it signifies the generosity and forethought of a pioneer in giving back the property to all people. To restore the park and mountain to the traditional Salish name is also very significant to the people that were here first. For this special place to have two names honours all that love it.
My student teacher Katia Olsen and I recently had a debate about this is our grade 4/5 class and one important point made by the children was time. How long has John Dean Park been named John Dean park? Likely for about 200 years or less. How long has it been named ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ likely in the realm of 7,000 years or more. I am very happy people are adding history and names together. But from my perspective and many of my students the true name should be the oldest name.
I’m pleased with the name change and consider it 100% appropriate as we live on unceded territory. It’s also great that youngsters took the initiative and are seeing change result from their care and concern.