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Councillors to attend session on proposed updates to B.C.’s geographical naming principles

Proposed changes include acknowledging importance of documenting, restoring Indigenous place names
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The Parksville Civic and Technology Centre at 100 Jensen Ave. (PQB News file photo)

Parksville city council members will take part in an online session regarding engagements on updates to British Columbia’s geographical naming principals, policy and procedures.

During a special council meeting held on Monday, Jan. 31, council received correspondence from the director of BC Geographical Names, Richard Linzey, offering an invitation to attend one of the scheduled sessions.

READ MORE: Parksville councillor wants First Nation recognition made policy

According to Linzey’s letter, the session will include establishing guiding principles for decisions and procedures for geographical naming in B.C., and acknowledge the importance of documenting and restoring Indigenous place names as an act of reconciliation.

“Geographical place names are essential for communication and navigation, but also influence how we view, understand and remember places and their stories. Embracing our diversity through place names gives all British Columbians an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the land and its features,” read Linzey’s letter.

Coun. Doug O’Brien introduced the motion that all members of council attend a session.

“(It’s) very timely with the First Nations engagement that we’re all trying to participate in. I saw this come up and I thought it would be a good idea,” he said.

O’Brien’s motion unanimously passed in favour.

mandy.moraes@pqbnews.com

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Mandy Moraes

About the Author: Mandy Moraes

I joined Black Press Media in 2020 as a multimedia reporter for the Parksville Qualicum Beach News, and transferred to the News Bulletin in 2022
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