How will you respond to Tla’amin Nation’s name change request?

BY PIETA WOOLLEY

The City of Powell River’s possible name change process is currently taking a well-deserved break. On July 15, the Joint Working Group wrapped up its work, published a report, and issued 11 recommendations (see powellriver.ca).

The time between then and the next phase – which will be undertaken by the newly-elected City Council, likely – should be spent reviewing the report and having respectful conversations, according to the webpage. Are you on task? Many candidates seem to be, as name change is a hot topic during this campaign period.

This is not, of course, a one-issue election. Name change is one of many serious challenges our new leadership will face. They include the housing crisis, employee shortage, overdose crisis, the future of the mill lands, taxation, and much more.

But the name change question looms large. Deleting ‘Powell’ from the name of this City was a direct ask, by the hegus. What to do with that request, and with the name, seems to be a symbol for a bigger issue in this region and elsewhere across this province: how will relationships between Indigenous governments and local governments find a new power balance, in post-treaty BC? What will that power balance be?

In other words, how will we reconcile with each other? What will that actually look like, in real life?

Therefore, qL asked each candidate for PR City Council and Mayor about name change. Here’s what they said.

THE LATEST INSTITUTION TO NAME CHANGE: Vancouver Island University’s Powell River campus is called tiwšƐmawtx w . (teew-shem- awt-xw) which means “House of Learning.” The ceremony was held on September 20. It joins a growing list of mostly-public institutions that have changed names to ayajuthem words, including qathet Regional District (of course); qathet General Hospital; Paper Excellence Tiskwat; qathet Museum & Archives; qathet Safe; qathet Division of Family Practice; qathet Art Centre; qathet Pride Society; Trans qathet; qathet Old Growth; qathet Regional Cycling Association; qathet Climate Alliance; the Urban Homesteading School of qathet; The Lund Resort, at Klah ah men; Klah Ah Men Lund Gazebo Park; Skelp; The Peak:Voice of qathet, and qathet Living magazine. For any organization that serves the entire region, changing to qathet isn’t political; it’s what the region has been called since 2018.

Earl Almeida

First to listen. Then to continue the steps taken by the Joint Working Group. Work with PR residents & the Tla’amin Nation to work towards a resolution that works for everyone.

George Doubt

I will continue the process of respectful consideration of the request with the final decision based on a clear measurement of public support.

Cindy Elliott

The Community Accord commits us to work together, its very important that we live up to our government-to-government commitments. I support the recommendations of the Joint Working Group.

Bronwyn Gisborne

What is important is that the community comes together. If we cross the finish line at the expense of leaving many behind then we have failed as leaders.

Glenn Holstine

City name change has to be more debated and compromise on all sides is required for a fair and diplomatic outcome in our democratic process.

Luke Holuboch

I will respond to the name change request with respect to those who live and work here in Powell River. We have a fine history here of great people and commitment to community.

Jason Hygaard

My great-grandfather attended Residential School and my family has felt the multi-generational trauma. I support the request for city name change. Let’s choose an inspiring, evolving identity for the future.

Trina Isakson

Work to implement the 11 recommendations from the Joint Working Group, including more/unifying public engagement. Work with Nation and residents to explore possible names in order to reduce uncertainty.

Cathy Korolek

Very controversial, needs ongoing dialogue with all concerned including public input. No fast decisions. Transparency and inclusion. Appease a few, anger more. Simply cause more division. Very important to take the time to make the right decision for all.

Eli Leyland

I support giving a platform to both sides of this issue to allow everyone’s voices to be heard. I would then leave it to a community vote and support the decision made by the community.

Robin Murray

I think the people of Powell River should have the final say as to keeping or changing name. On the lower coast, traditional names are on signs with present names.

Jim Palm

I will continue to work towards a win-win solution, which will bring our communities together. I will listen and support the opinion of our citizens.

Todd Phillips

Continue the discussion through the intergovernmental relationship. If a new name is chosen then put it to the citizens with a referendum/opinion poll.

Michelle Riddle

I will bring this request to the people to address with their question specific vote.

Rob Southcott

By working together, owning the process, and not rushing it.

Evan Stocker

I will let the people of Powell River decide on that issue.

Roger Whittaker

By listening and applying reason and harmonious attitude to deliberations.

All Citizens of Powell River need to have a podium to speak from and they need to be listened to.

Jen Zacher

After six months of community engagement, a joint working group of Tla’amin and Powell River representatives made 11 recommendations of how to proceed. Let’s implement them and continue the conversation.

The mayoral candidates weigh in on Name Change:

Maggie Hathaway

• Continue raising awareness through education whilst exploring a new name.

• I would fully endorse an opinion poll. I believe in democratic process.

•The process takes time. It cannot be rushed.

CaroleAnn Leishman

• By supporting implementation of 11 recommendations of JWG

• Begin community naming contest including all who wish to participate

• Build consensus choosing a name that harms no one and is embraced by many, setting us on a good path forward together.

Ron Woznow

• Everyone receives unbiased information

• All citizens have an opportunity to express their position through a community survey

• Abide by the people’s wishes

* This ran in September’s issue, along with much more from the mayoral candidates. Find it online at prliving.ca.