Controversy Arises in Powell River over Proposed Name Change.
A community nestled along the shores of the Georgia Strait on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast finds itself embroiled in controversy over the prospect of a name alteration.
Powell River, a quaint city boasting a population of over 13,900 and situated approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Vancouver, has become the focal point of intense debate involving its municipal council, the Tla’amin Nation, and numerous residents.
In 2021, the Tla’amin Nation initiated discussions with the City of Powell River regarding a potential name change—an endeavor that MLA Nicholas Simons asserts has ignited profound divisions within the community.
“Some people say there’s division created, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a half and half division. A lot of young people recognize that part of reconciliation is reconciling the history that we have,” Simons said.
He emphasizes that although community suggestions may shape the eventual outcome, the ultimate authority lies with the province to render a decision.
Powell River derives its name from Israel Powell, who held the position of superintendent of the Department of Indian Affairs for British Columbia in 1872.
Information from the city’s Joint Working Group, established to engage residents in discussions regarding the potential name change, reveals Powell’s legacy marked by efforts to assimilate Indigenous communities into Euro-Canadian culture. This includes denouncing potlatch ceremonies, endorsing the establishment of residential schools, and advocating for increased land allocation to Indigenous families.
For the Tla’amin Nation, Powell’s association with residential schools evokes painful memories of a traumatic past.
As superintendent of Indian affairs in British Columbia from 1872 to 1889, Powell played a significant role in implementing numerous discriminatory policies, including those pertaining to residential schools.
“A lot of our community members are survivors of residential school … a lot of trauma has come from the survivors, their children and grandchildren,” he said.
“We’re still living through that today.”
Hackett expresses that the First Nation has faced “hurtful” and “insulting” remarks on social media, with some suggesting that they should simply “get over” the legacy of residential schools. Additionally, there’s an assertion that altering a name would only exacerbate divisions within the community.
“We realize that there’s so many different cultures and diversity and we really, really want to work with everybody in a good way.”
Mayor Ron Woznow of Powell River announces that the city intends to incorporate a referendum regarding the name change into the 2026 civic election.
He underscores that since receiving the request, the city has made concerted efforts to disseminate information extensively, ensuring that all residents have “an opportunity to express their sentiments.”
“What we want to do is make sure that what happens is going to be very positive for both the Tla’amin Nation and ourselves [in] five years, 10 years, 50 years.”
