Three First Nations have asked the province to change a host of place names around Campbell River, including the Discovery Passage.
The BC Geographical Names Office has asked the Strathcona Regional District and City of Campbell River for feedback on a request from the Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai, and Kwiakah Nations to change eight place names, including the Discovery Passage, Cape Mudge, Quinsam River, and the Tyee Spit.
For example, the Discovery Passage, named after Captain George Vancouver’s ship when he charted the region from 1791 to 1795, is proposed to be renamed Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ (Lee-gwilth-daxw) Passage. The name comes from Indigenous legends about an unkillable sea worm.
Local governments have until October 25 to respond.
Proposed changes
- Change Discovery Passage to Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ (pronounced Lee-gwilth-daxw) Passage
- Change Quinsam River to Kʷənsəm (pronounced Quinsam) River
- Change Tyee Spit to ʔuxstalis (pronounced Oox-sta-lease)
- Change Cape Mudge to C̓aqʷəlutən (pronounced Tsa-kwa-loo-tuhn)
- Change Mount Spencer to Q̓ʷaq̓ʷilis (pronounced Kwah-kwee-lease)
- Change Phillips Arm to Wənałdəmsa sa Kwiakah (pronounced Wen-alth-dum-sa sa Kway-ka)
- Change Forward Harbour to ƛəx̌ʷəyəm (cluh-hwa-yum)
- Change Topaze Harbour to Tək̓a (pronounced Tuh-kya)
