Ancestral indigenous names returning!
in #Tofino #Tlaoquiaht  

North Chesterman Beach
named after two 19th century settlers:

n̓an̓aquuʔa (“nah-nah-kuu-ah” - needle fish)

Kennedy Lake
largest lake on Vancouver Island named after first Governor of Colony of Vancouver Island.

haʔuukmin (“ha-uuk-min” - feasting bowl)

Meares Island
after Captain John Meares HMRN

wančas hiłḥuuʔis (“wa-na-chas hilth-huu-is” - whale flukes when diving and ‘below the mountain’)

https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/tofino-council-supports-first-nation-bid-for-three-more-name-changes-11781625

Tla-o-qui-aht carver awarded Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement: https://www.hashilthsa.com/news/2025-10-27/tla-o-qui-aht-carver-awarded-lieutenant-governors-award-maritime-achievement

''“I’m happy that I received [the award] but I do receive it on behalf of my ancestors…art has been one of the most important aspects of humanity and the world over,” Martin said.''

#Tlaoquiaht #Indigenous