B.C. park name change recognizes ancestral home of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation

The park formerly known as Belcarra Regional Park has been officially renamed to təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park, in recognition of the ancestral home of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

In a traditional ceremony on Friday, members of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and officials from Metro Vancouver came together to unveil the new name at the regional park, which is the largest of the Tsleil-Waututh's ancestral villages.

təmtəmíxʷtən means the "biggest place for all the people" in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language.

"We're gathered here today because we are going to place the name back onto this village," said Gabriel George, director of treaty, lands and resources for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

"It was never lifted from our people's perspective. But for the newcomers who are here, the name has changed. And it's a good feeling, for our family, for our nation, and hopefully for all people within Metro Vancouver, within British Columbia, within Canada."

The ceremony began with paddlers from Tsleil-Waututh Nation coming onto the shore from Indian Arm in traditional canoes. It ended with a performance that included traditional singing, drumming and dancing. 

It was a significant day for members of the nation who say it's been a long time coming.