Chief Chris Roberts of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation will speak to council during Thursday’s public meeting about plans to change some local place names.
The nation, along with the We Wai Kai and Kwiakah First Nations, recently submitted a request to the BC Geographical Names Office to change the names of eight place names in the region. They include changing the Discovery Passage, Quinsam River, and Tyee Spit to names in the Lik’wala language, spelled with the International Phonetic Alphabet.
Roberts will make a presentation on Thursday night about the proposal.
Meanwhile city council sent a letter to the provincial names office earlier this month, requesting the province hold public information sessions in Campbell River about the proposal, so residents and the surrounding communities can provide input.
“We believe these sessions would provide valuable insight into the cultural significance of the name changes, allow for meaningful community engagement, and ensure transparency throughout the process,” reads the letter, signed by Mayor Kermit Dahl.
He adds that the city is committed to supporting a public engagement process, and “looks forward to collaborating with the province to ensure a respectful and inclusive dialogue.”
He also asked the province to consider the financial implications of implementing any name changes.
Vista Radio published a story last month detailing all the requested changes, you can read it here.
