lək̓ʷəŋən place names reclaimed at University of Victoria
After two years of consultation with the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, two lək̓ʷəŋən names were given to new student housing buildings
“As an Indigenous student I feel so proud today,” exclaimed Chésa Abma-Slade, a University of Victoria (UVic) Law student and Esquimalt Nation member, as the lək̓ʷəŋən names Čeqʷəŋín and Sŋéqə were given to the university’s new student housing and dining buildings.
The first of the two new buildings was completed last year and is now named Čeqʷəŋín ʔéʔləŋ (Cheko’nien House). The second building will be completed in September 2023 and is called Sŋéqə ʔéʔləŋ (Sngequ House).
Čeqʷəŋín ʔéʔləŋ means “Village of Big Fire,” while Sŋéqə translates to “snow patches.” Both are names of lək̓ʷəŋən village sites from the land the university currently sits on and around.
“We are taught in the language that taking care of the land, and ourselves, is one and the same,” said Songhees Councillor Norman (Garry) Sam.
“We learned our songs, our language, and our ways of healing by being with the land.”
Councillor Sam was present to share the importance of both names, as well as the intergenerational connection they have to the land.
“We take hospitality very seriously in Songhees,” he said, as he helped those present with the pronunciation and translation of the names.
“We hold them close to lək̓ʷəŋən names and culture.”
In 2021, following suggestions from Abma-Slade and other Indigenous students, the university brought its plans and intentions to the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations in an effort to have meaningful and respectful collaboration on the naming process.
In turn they were referred to Elder Dr. Elmer Seniemten George, one of the last fluent lək̓ʷəŋən speakers. He has made it his life’s work to revitalise the language.
Elder George worked with UVic to share the names Čeqʷəŋín and Sŋéqə, and was present for both the ceremony and the sign unveiling. His grandfather was from Čeqʷəŋin and Sŋéqə, illustrating the intergenerational connection with these names.
“The guidance of local Elders has been essential to this work, and I am forever grateful for the endless knowledge and heart that they bring to support UVic students and staff,” said Abma-Slade.
“I just think about how powerful it is for me to see this change within my lifetime. It’s a really powerful thing to get to witness.”
Author
We live in a media ecosystem that thrives on misinformation. Big Tech and AI companies are consuming the work of real human beings and Canadian news has been banned on Facebook and Instagram.
And yet, I have hope for journalism because of the work we’re doing at IndigiNews.
At IndigiNews, we embody tâpwêwin — the Cree value of integrity and responsibility in truth-telling. We are committed to our independent, Indigenous-led newsroom rooted in community, accountability, and relationality. We believe storytelling is a sacred fire that connects our pasts, presents, and futures through the storytellers in our Storytelling Lodge. IndigiNews creates space for Indigenous journalists, storytellers, Knowledge Keepers, and communities to gather, learn, and share stories that matter.
As a registered charity, we are building a fire that allows our work not just to ignite but to thrive. Rather than relying on advertising or corporate acquisition, IndigiNews is sustained by people like you who believe Indigenous stories are important for the future of our communities.
Your support is making a real difference.
Our community of supporters, our Firekeepers, make it possible to grow our newsroom, publish award-winning journalism, train emerging Indigenous journalists through initiatives like the ReFocus Photojournalism Fellowship, and publish trustworthy stories that serve our communities across the country. Every story we publish helps fill in gaps left by mainstream media and ensures Indigenous perspectives are represented with care, accuracy and respect.
But there is still more work to do.
As the media landscape becomes more and more uncertain, community support is as necessary and essential as it’s ever been. Every new Firekeeper helps protect the independence of our newsroom and strengthens journalism that is accountable to our many and varied communities over corporations.
That’s why we’re inviting you to become a Firekeeper.
Firekeepers tend to and protect the sacred fire. Your monthly contributions directly support IndigiNews’s Storytelling Lodge, helps sustain our independent, Indigenous-led newsroom, and ensures future generations of Indigenous storytellers have the resources they need to do the work.
As a registered Canadian charity, all eligible donations receive a charitable tax receipt.
If you believe Indigenous stories matter, if you value independent journalism, and if you want to help build a strong future for Indigenous media, we invite you to join our circle of Firekeepers today.
Together, we can keep the fire burning.
— Eden Fineday, Publisher, IndigiNews
Support us nowLatest Stories
-
‘Love Medicine’ exhibition celebrates Two Spirit and Indigiqueer artists
Curated by Métis art historian Michelle McGeough, 22 Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+ artists explore the idea of love as healing, belonging — and resistance — in a Oskana kâ-asastêki (Regina) gallery
-
‘Rhythm crafted for the human voice’: Poet kit-xgwélemc kennedy wins an Indigenous Voices Award
Member of St’uxwtéws Secwépemc Nation recognized in unpublished poetry category — following in his wordsmith mom’s footsteps
