B.C. renames provincial marine park near Nanaimo
The British Columbia government has officially renamed a provincial marine park near Nanaimo in recognition of its significance to local Indigenous culture.
The former Newcastle Island Marine Park is now called Saysutshun (pronounced SAY-sut-shun) Park to acknowledge its connection to the culture of the Snuneymuxw people.
Saysutshun is a place known for healing and transformation, and the name refers specifically to the island's use as a place of preparation for hunting and various ceremonies, the B.C. Environment Ministry said in a statement Monday.
Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Michael Wyse says the island is sacred to Snuneymuxw people and their history.
"Over time, our Saysutshun village was unlawfully taken from our nation without our consent," Wyse said in the statement.
"While renaming the park to our village site is a symbolic and meaningful step forward, it is another action that moves us closer to returning the land back to us," he added. "Sharing the history with the public through culturally appropriate programming is important as well, creating equality, awareness and harmony in our society."
Ancestors of the Snuneymuxw people used the island to train and prepare themselves physically, mentally and spiritually for ceremonial events and hunting, the province said.
"Reintroducing Indigenous names to provincial parks is an important act of recognition of Indigenous Peoples' relationship with the places they have lived for many millennia, and acknowledgement of their history, traditions and culture," said Environment Minister George Heyman.
"Reconnecting with our natural environment, learning from history and teaching people about how to best live together is one of the best things we can be doing now as part of our journey of reconciliation to build a better future," the minister added.
Newcastle Island Marine Park was established in October 1961 with an extensive network of trails leading to various historic points. The island includes evidence of at least two Salish villages that were deserted before the discovery of coal in the area in 1849, according to the province.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A 'tragedy that can't be measured': North Bay's forever chemical problem is also the rest of Canada's
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
For moms-to-be, it's possible to take maternity leave without breaking the bank
Pregnancy is often an exciting and anxious time for parents-to-be. And while painting the nursery and choosing a stroller are typically on the agenda, experts say preparing financially for a maternity leave can help reduce stress later on as well.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Questlove was not happy with Drake and Kendrick Lamar's beef: 'Nobody won the war'
While some may have been excited and/or amused by the diss-track feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, the man many consider to be an elder statesman of hip-hop appears less than enthused about it.
Fine dining, at a new high. A Michelin-starred chef will take his cuisine to our upper atmosphere
Six guests are set to ascend aboard Spaceship Neptune to the stratosphere, where they will enjoy an immersive dining experience served up by Danish Michelin-starred chef Rasmus Munk.
Israel orders new evacuations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah as it prepares to expand operations
Israel ordered new evacuations in Gaza's southern city of Rafah on Saturday, forcing tens of thousands more people to move as it prepares to expand its operation and adding that it is also moving into an area in northern Gaza where Hamas has regrouped.