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https://www.westcoasttraveller.com/cowichan-street-sign-project-honours-indigenous-history-and-culture/
 

*A recent initiative between Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Association (BIA), Cowichan Tribes and the City of Duncan brought the installation of 30 bilingual Hul’q’umi’num’ / English street signs on 7streets in downtown Duncan.

You will now see bilingual street signs on:

    • Station - Liloot Street;
    • Government - Hwulmuhw Street;
    • Canada - Q’lhan Avenue;
    • 1st Street - Yuwen Street;
    • 2nd Street - Sxwut’ts’ulii Street;
    • 3rd Street - Smayuqw’a’ Street;  and
    • 4th Street - Thuthiqut Street.

Some names such as “Liloot” – which means “train” – reflect the nature of a particular street, in this case where the train station stood.  Others, like “Sxwut’ts’ulii” – or “hummingbird” – reflect important elements of Indigenous culture.

“I am so honoured to see these Hul’q’umi’num’ signs on our streets,” says Merle Seymour, a Cowichan Tribes elder and participant in the naming process.  “This really uplifts our people.  I really raise my hands to each and every one who was involved.  Huy steep q’u.”

“This really touches my heart,” says Lucy Thomas, another Cowichan Tribes elder involved in the project.  “It is connecting me to my community in all kinds of ways you don’t know… I am really, really proud right now.”

“The best part of this project for me was seeing our community come together to work on it.  I know we will continue working together moving forward,” says Amanda Vance (Downtown Duncan BIA executive). 

While the Hul’q’umi’num’ signage project does not resolve the question of land negotiations, partners do feel it is a positive step in the right direction.

“This is a great way to kickstart reconciliation,” Cowichan Tribes youth Kevannah Thorne says.  “If you’re out walking with your kids, you could teach your young ones to learn more Hul’q’umiu’num’ at a younger age.”

Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP Alistair MacGregor agreed.  “This initiative does 2 important things.  First, it allows us to really unpack and analyze the colonial history of this area.  Secondly, it helps us to celebrate the Indigenous language, culture and history that has been a part of this place for thousands of years.”

A series of small, physically distanced gatherings with Downtown Duncan BIA executive director, Amanda Vance, Chief William Seymour, Mayor Michelle Staples and other project participants celebrated the installations. 

(Ribbons and paddles were distributed to partners and quotes were collected for a short video that incorporates historical footage licensed from the Royal BC Museum and the Cowichan Valley Museum.) 

-*Adapted from Article by Jennifer Blyth