Two new Island-class vessels for BC Ferries will enter service in 2027 carrying names gifted by Snuneymuxw First Nation. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

local language

New Gabriola Island-Nanaimo ferries to carry Snuneymuxw First Nation names

Nov 25, 2025 | 10:25 AM

NANAIMO — Two new ferries, scheduled to begin operating in 2027, will sail with names honouring a local First Nation.

BC Ferries announced on Tuesday, Nov. 25 their two new Island Class vessels, currently under construction, will be named by Snuneymuxw First Nation and the hul’q’umi’num’ language when they are deployed on the Nanaimo Harbour-Gabriola Island route.

Island xwsaĺux̌ul (pronounced Xwus-wol-ox-wutl) means “grassy place” and represents the location where the Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty of 1854 was signed.

A second vessel will be called Island sarlequun (pronounced Sar-le-kwun) which means “people at Nanaimo Harbour”.

“hul’q’umi’num’ is a powerful force within Snuneymuxw territory, carrying the knowledge of our ancestors and the spirit of the land,” said Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Michael Wyse. “The names we are gifting hold immense strength and offer a sense of belonging to all who board and sail these new vessels.”

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Both vessels are under construction at Damen Shipyards in Romania.

Like their Island-class predecessors, the new vessels are designed for fully electric operation, once shore-side infrastructure is in place.

They will eventually replace the Island Gwawis and Island Kwigwis on the route, vessels which were named in early 2022 from the ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation based in Alert Bay.

Wyse publicly accused BC Ferries of undertaking a “racist and discriminatory path” given the ships “live in Snuneymuxw territory and will be used on Snuneymuxw waterways.”

He accused then-BC Ferries president Mark Collins of choosing “to use and apply Namgis First Nation laws and culture in Snuneymuxw Territory.”

Current president and CEO Nicolas Jimenez said in a statement they’re deeply honoured to incorporate Snuneymuxw names into their fleet.

“These names are a powerful symbol of Snuneymuxw First Nation’s inherent rights and enduring presence within their territory.”

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