The Stories of our Names: Salish Sea

 Often, it is in the names of geographic places that the first hints of history unfold. When we take a step back and critically observe the politics and unspoken agendas that arise from certain names, it is clear that there is a power that arises from the names we choose. In North America, a movement of cultural recognition in the last decade has led to the renaming of many places with their traditional First Nations names. It seems as if enough time has passed for a more objective view on the colonial nature of the European naming process as many places are being renamed with a moniker more suitable to historical fact, not political agenda.   

  

Just last year, the term Salish Sea was officially recognized as the name of a vast body of water along the coast of British Columbia and Washington State. Stretching from the north end of the Strait of Georgia to the southern reaches of Puget Sound, the Salish Sea reaches westward to the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

                      Map of the Salish Sea, Stefan Freelan, WWU, 2009

    The name comes from the Coast Salish people who were the first known inhabitants of the area and it honours their historical use of these waterways. While the previously existing European names will still be used, the term Salish Sea is meant to provide an over-reaching description of the area and highlight the interconnectedness of the waterways and people who use them. In this way, a more holistic world view of the land emerges and many hope that it will inspire a deeper environmental stewardship of the coastline. Who knew there was this much to a name!

Visit: http://staff.wwu.edu/stefan/SalishSea.htm to download the map, and for more information!

 In honour of the official recognition of the Salish Sea, the SCMA is featuring an absolutely stunning book entitled Islands of the Salish Sea in our gift shop. Containing beautifully artistic maps that depict the many islands that dot the Salish Sea, this is truly a book that should be on every coffee table on the coast. Essentially, the authors put out a request for the people who live on the islands to create maps to showcase the unique character of the places they live. The result is a rich collection of over 20 maps that  emanate local flavor and are a treat to peruse. If you couldn’t tell, I have spent a lot of time at home with my own copy of this book : )

Drop on down to the Museum and take a look at this wonderful release or ponder the origins of our local names…there’s no telling what kind of history you might uncover!

                                         Islands of the Salish Sea

                                         Map of Texada Island