Siwash Rock. Photo Dan Toulgoet
Vancouver Park Board commissioner Catherine Evans is proposing Siwash Rock be renamed as part of the city’s commitment to reconciliation with First Nations.
Evans has a notice of motion detailing the proposal on the park board’s Oct. 2 meeting agenda.
“The history of Stanley Park includes acts of dispossession and disrespect directed toward the indigenous people who inhabited it,” the notice of motion states.
“An ongoing symbol of disrespect is the name Siwash Rock, given to a rock situated along the western shore of Stanley Park and identified as a Point of Interest on the Official Map and Guide.”
The word Siwash stems from the French word sauvage.
Evans proposes that staff work with the Stanley Park Intergovernmental Working Group to develop a process for re-naming Siwash Rock and that a report be brought back to the park board about the process and timeline.
One politician is already expressing support for the move on social media — Green Party park board commissioner Stuart Mackinnon.
I support Commissioner Evan's motion.: Vancouver landmark needs its 'derogatory' name changed, commissioner says https://t.co/XjHiPEzcET
— Stuart Mackinnon (@betterparks) September 29, 2017
In the meantime, the prospect of renaming Mount Garibaldi, which sits on the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation, has also been raised. Its original name was Nch’Kay. Read about that initiative HERE.
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