A Step Toward Reconciliation in Kitsilano
In a significant move toward reconciliation, the City of Vancouver has officially renamed Trutch Street in the Kitsilano neighborhood to šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmasəm Street, which translates to Musqueamview Street in English. This renaming, adopted on June 17, marks the city's first street name in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language of the Musqueam First Nation. The decision reflects a broader effort to address historical injustices tied to the street's original namesake, Joseph Trutch, British Columbia's first lieutenant governor, whose policies are widely criticized for causing lasting harm to Indigenous communities.
The street, stretching 1.5 kilometers through a residential area from Jericho Beach to Carnarvon Park, had borne Trutch's name since 1886. Vancouver city council first voted to rename the street in July 2021, a decision that was unanimously supported. The Musqueam Indian Band gifted the new name to the city in September 2022, culminating in a community celebration on June 20, where new signage was unveiled at each street corner displaying both the legal name šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmasəm Street and its English translation.
Community Response and Practical Concerns
The renaming has been hailed as a meaningful act of reconciliation by many, including Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, who stated, 'Today, we address a historic injustice and take another step forward on the path towards reconciliation.' The ceremony and subsequent unveiling of the signs were met with applause in city council chambers, signaling strong support from local leaders and members of the Musqueam community. The initiative is seen as an acknowledgment of the painful past associated with Trutch's legacy and a commitment to a more inclusive future.
However, not all residents are without concerns. Some living on the newly named street have expressed support for the change but worry about practical implications, such as navigating a name spelled in a language other than English. Despite these concerns, the city has taken steps to assist residents, including providing resources like pronunciation guides and Unicode downloads for the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ characters.
Broader Implications for Vancouver's Future
The renaming of Trutch Street to šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmasəm Street sets a precedent for how Vancouver addresses its colonial history. It is part of a growing movement across Canada to recognize and honor Indigenous languages and histories in public spaces. The collaboration between the City of Vancouver and the Musqueam Indian Band highlights the importance of Indigenous voices in shaping the city's identity and rectifying past wrongs.
As the first street sign in Vancouver to feature the Musqueam language, this change may inspire similar initiatives in other neighborhoods or municipalities. It underscores a commitment to reconciliation that goes beyond symbolic gestures, aiming to foster understanding and respect for Indigenous heritage among all residents. While challenges remain in balancing historical acknowledgment with practical considerations, this renaming represents a tangible step forward in healing and unity.