syuẁén’ct principal Diane Charles proudly shows off the new logo for her elementary school, done in partnership with Snuneymuxw First Nation. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

new era

Officially renamed Nanaimo school renews ‘spirits’ with Snuneymuxw First Nation

Oct 6, 2022 | 1:40 PM

NANAIMO — Following adoption by School District 68 trustees in the summer, a school in Nanaimo’s Diver Lake neighbourhood has a new name.

A large celebration on Thursday, Oct. 6 saw 26-year-old Coal Tyee Elementary School officially transfer to its new name syuẁén’ct, pronounced see-you-wentz. They’ll also adopt the moniker the syuẁén’ct Spirits.

Principal Diane Charles said their students at every grade level took ownership of implementing the name change, which translates to “our traditions” or “our history”.

“The students have actually gone through the process of understanding where our original name came from, how it was linked to the colonial history of Nanaimo and what the gift from the (Snuneymuxw First) Nation of our new name means.”

The change was made in July following a public consultation process after it was revealed Coal Tyee represented “a tragic figure” to Snuneymuxw First Nation, whose discovery of coal led to colonization and environmental exploitation.

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Snuneymuxw officially recognized the syuẁén’ct name for the school at small ceremony last weekend.

Charles said she foresees the wider community embracing the new name, thanks in large part to their students.

“Really it’s going to be our kids, it’s going to be the voices of our students that are going to be able to say ‘I go to syuẁén’ct, syuẁén’ct is my school.’”

Charles called renaming the school the most important project she’s been involved in during her 31 year career in District 68 as a teacher and principal.

As part of the renaming, a new bent wood box is displayed by the front entrance to the school, made by Snuneymuxw artist Joel Good.

All four sides of the box are made from a single piece of yellow cedar, partially cut, steamed then bent into shape. The top and bottom are made from local red cedar.

Designs on the box include two serpents, moon and sun, orca and salmon, and a spirit eagle on the front which served as inspiration for the school’s new logo.

A new bent wood box is on display at the front of syuẁén’ct Elementary School, built by a local First Nations artist. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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