A view from Saysutshun Park toward downtown Nanaimo. (Laptop Warriors)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

INDIGENOUS ROOTS

Saysutshun, formerly Newcastle Island, given ‘correct name’ by province

Dec 6, 2021 | 1:20 PM

NANAIMO — Newcastle Island, just off the coast of the Harbour City, is no more.

After discussions with Snuneymuxw First Nation, the Newcastle Island Marine Park will officially be named Saysutshun Park (pronounced SAY-sut-shun).

“Saysutshun is our traditional territory and sacred to our people that holds our history, culture and way of life,” SFN Chief Mike Wyse said. “Referring to it using the correct name is important and an act of respect for the Snuneymuxw people.”

The area was already informally referred to in the region as Saysutshun, however the official change falls under amendments recently made to the Protected Areas of B.C. Act.

The 900 acre park adjacent to Departure Bay and Nanaimo’s waterfront was formerly established as a park in 1961.

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The prized attraction features 22 kilometers of trails, historical sites, camping and a hall for special events.

Evidence suggests at least two Salish villages were present on the Island prior to a coal rush in the mid-1800s.

“Over time, our Saysutshun village was unlawfully taken from our Nation without our consent,” Wyse added. “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.”

The former Newcastle Island has been officially renamed Saysutshun Park in line with recent changes to the Protected Areas of B.C. Act. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

In a release, the provincial minister of environment George Heyman said the move is about further reconciliation and connection with Indigenous people.

“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.”

A similar renaming was also announced for Chilliwack Lake Park, now known as Sxótsaqel/Chilliwack Lake Park.

SFN has a contract with BC Parks to manage Saysutshun.

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