Signs for the newly renamed Musqueamview Street. City of Vancouver handout photo
Vancouver has officially renamed one of its streets in the Kitsilano neighbourhood using the language of the Musqueam Indian Band to šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmasəm Street (Musqueamview Street in English). City officials said the change was an act of reconciliation.
The street, formerly named after the province’s first lieutenant governor, Joseph Trutch, had held that name since 1886. The City of Vancouver said the decision to change the name was made in response to claims that Trutch was a racist and introduced policies that “caused lasting harm” to First Nations.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said that the renaming of the street was part of reconciliation.
“As a City of Reconciliation, we know that words alone are not enough,” he said. “Reconciliation must be reflected in our actions, and that includes the symbols and names we choose to honour in our public spaces.”
The new signs for the street were revealed at a ceremony on June 20. Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow said the move was a “major milestone” for the community.
“We are grateful for the City’s dedication and patience as we collaborated on this project, and we are thrilled to celebrate together today after so much hard work,” he said.
The street name will appear on the signs in both English and the Musqueam’s traditional language, and the signs will be the first in the city to be written in the traditional language.
The name was selected by the Musqueam and provided to the city in 2022, after council had voted to rename the street in 2021.
The new street name will also be displayed at the bus shelter on 16 Avenue and Musqueamview Street. Buses on routes 2 and 33 will be using the new street name in onboard stop announcements, starting on June 23, the city said.
The city added that it also plans to install an audio box and interpretive sign near Musqueamview Street at West Point Grey Road, as well as storytelling signs along the 16-block street.
The new name will also be used in official city records, on maps, and in some government databases, according to the city.Residents have been advised they can use both Trutch Street and Musqueamview Street when calling emergency services.
Joseph Trutch
A surveyor and engineer, Trutch became part of the three-person team sent to Ottawa to negotiate B.C.’s entry into the Confederation, according to the Government of Canada website.
He also became the province’s first lieutenant general from 1871–1876. Prior to taking on that role, he worked as the province’s chief commissioner of lands and works from 1864 to 1871.
Chandra Philip is a news reporter with the Canadian edition of The Epoch Times.