First Nations chief suggests Slhx̱í7lsh as the new name for Stanley Park's Siwash Rock
Taken in 1889 or 1890, this photo shows a man in a canoe paddling past Siwash Rock. The City of Vancouver says the picture is part of an album originally owned by 'pioneers,' donated to the archives in 2008.(City of Vancouver Archives) Courtesy of CBC
One of three Coast Salish First Nations approved to rename Stanley Park's iconic Siwash Rock is proposing the name, Slhx̱í7lsh, or "standing man," in the Squamish language.
According to Squamish First Nations legend, a man was preparing for the arrival of his child when he was immortalized by being transformed into the stone we see today as a reward for unselfish fatherhood.
On Wednesday, the park board voted unanimously to work with the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations to rename the basalt rock between Third Beach and the Lions Gate Bridge.
"I think this is an opportunity for authenticity where the real names that Coast Salish peoples, particularly Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh have used for thousands of years should be recognized when everything else is in English," said Squamish First Nations Chief Ian Campbell.
Read the rest of the story:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/stanley-park-siwash-rock-squamish-name-1.4352536
Photo credit Micah McKerlich