BC Ferries has taken a significant step toward both environmental sustainability and cultural recognition by announcing traditional hul’q’umi’num’ names for its new hybrid-electric vessels. The naming ceremony represents an important gesture of reconciliation and respect for First Nations heritage.
Honoring Indigenous Heritage Through Vessel Names
The newly announced names for the Island Class ferries come from the hul’q’umi’num’ language, traditionally spoken by Coast Salish peoples including the Quw'utsun, Stz'uminus, and Snuneymuxw First Nations. This decision reflects BC Ferries' commitment to incorporating Indigenous culture into its operations and acknowledging the traditional territories it serves.
The naming initiative represents more than just symbolic recognition - it's part of a broader effort to preserve and promote Indigenous languages that have faced historical suppression. By giving these prominent vessels traditional names, BC Ferries helps bring Indigenous languages into public consciousness and daily conversation.
Advancing Sustainable Transportation
These newly named vessels are part of BC Ferries' ongoing fleet modernization program, featuring hybrid-electric technology that significantly reduces environmental impact. The Island Class ferries are designed to operate primarily on battery power, with diesel generators serving as backup, allowing for quiet, emission-free operation when docking and undocking near communities.
The combination of Indigenous naming and green technology represents a dual commitment to both cultural and environmental responsibility. This approach aligns with broader provincial goals for reconciliation and climate action, positioning public transportation as a leader in both spheres.
Building Meaningful Partnerships
The naming process involved extensive consultation with First Nations communities and language keepers to ensure cultural appropriateness and accuracy. Elders and knowledge holders played crucial roles in selecting names that reflect both the vessels' functions and cultural significance.
This collaborative approach sets a precedent for how corporations can work respectfully with Indigenous communities, moving beyond token gestures to establish genuine partnerships. The initiative demonstrates how traditional knowledge and modern technology can coexist and complement each other in meaningful ways.
As BC Ferries continues to update its fleet, the integration of Indigenous culture and language with cutting-edge environmental technology creates a powerful symbol of what reconciliation can look like in practical terms. The vessels will serve as moving reminders of the rich cultural heritage of the regions they connect while pointing toward a more sustainable future for marine transportation in British Columbia.
