Two Okanagan Parks Renamed to Reflect First Nations Roots

A couple of Okanagan provincial parks have been renamed in honour of their traditional First Nation roots.

On Friday, Environment Minister Mary Polak and Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie announced that Haynes Point will now be officially known as “sw̓iw̓s park, pronounced swee-yous, and that Okanagan Falls provincial park will now be known as “sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ, pronounced s-wuh-wuneet-kw.

Minister of Environment Mary Polak and Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie celebrate renaming of provincial parks.

(Photo Credit: B.C. Government Flickr.)

The name changes are part of an agreement made between the Province and the Osoyoos Indian Band.

“This agreement between the Province and the Osoyoos Indian Band ensures visitors from around the world can continue to enjoy these parks and, at the same time, the protection of important archaeological sites and areas of significant cultural values,” said Polak. “Thank you to Chief Louie and the Osoyoos Indian Band for working with us to develop this agreement, strengthening our government-to-government relationship.”

“sw̓iw̓s, means place where it is shallow or narrow in the middle of the lake. The name explains how the Okanagan ancestors of the Osoyoos Indian Band used the area as an important crossing point from one side of Osoyoos Lake to another.

”sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ, means little falls and signifies a connection to Kettle Falls, which is known as big falls in the nsyilxcen language. These two falls were the most important fishing sites in the Okanagan Nation’s territory. This land was also once part of the Osoyoos Indian Band’s reserve land.

Photo Credit: BC Government Flickr.

“Language and place names are of utmost importance to the historical and cultural identity of people from any region or country,” said Chief Louie. “The early English and French settlers knew this - some of their first actions were to rename and map the countries they settled. sw̓iw̓s, sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ and nʕaylintn are important Okanagan Nation place names that represent our culture and our tribal territory. These are historic names that have stood for thousands of years. First Nation language and place names deserve the same respect as their English names - not just in an historical context, but in a contemporary context as well. I am so proud to know that these names will now be formally recognized and acknowledged as part of the political, social and cultural future of this province. On behalf of all Okanagan (nsyilxcen) language speakers, I want to thank Minister Polak and the B.C. government for working with the Osoyoos Indian Band in the spirit of reconciliation and agreeing to bring back these three important Okanagan Nation place names.”