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City Renames Trutch Street To Su'it Street, Lekwungen Translation for "Truth"
Publisher: City of Victoria
Author: Colleen Mycroft
Subject(s):
Posting Date: November 24, 2022
Year Published: 2022
Abstract:
As part of the City’s commitment to reconciliation, yesterday Trutch Street was renamed səʔit (Su’it) (pronounced say-EET) Street, the Lekwungen word for “Truth” in a ceremony with the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations and members of the community. The event included a witness ceremony, an Indigenous blessing and the unveiling of the new sign.
“The renaming of Trutch Street is not only a significant act of decolonization, but also an important step forward in our journey to reconciliation," said Mayor Lisa Helps. “It’s thanks to the dedication of the UVIC students behind the initial call to rename the street, the support we heard from the community members and the meaningful discussions with the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations that the Su’it Street sign stands here today.”
“Today Songhees Nation is pleased to be part of the renaming of Trutch Street, now called Su'it Street, Lekwungen for 'truth,” said Chief Sam. “By memorializing historical figures who were known racists, we allow their influence to live on. With the renaming of this road, the Lekwungen people are not only able to share our native language, but also decolonize a chapter of local history. We will continue to work with the City of Victoria to change the narrative on historical figures, and towards a partnership reflective of truth and reconciliation.”
“Just another stop on the road to reconciliation,” said Esquimalt Chief Rob Thomas. “It's nice being able to recognize the wrong of the past and work together to try and fix it.”
The new street signage includes both the Lekwungen (səʔit) and English (Su’it) spellings and has a pronunciation guide to support the revitalization of the Lekwungen language and enable integration with address and mapping.
As part of the City’s ongoing reconciliation efforts with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, staff have been working with members of the Lekwungen cultural team to strengthen local Indigenous identity and make the culture, history and modern reality of local Indigenous peoples more present and apparent throughout Victoria. Initiatives like these seek to foster resilient, long-term relationships between the City and the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, and are important steps forward on the path of reconciliation.
On June 23rd, Council adopted the bylaw to officially rename Trutch Street to Su’it Street. Originally named after Joseph Trutch, BC’s first lieutenant governor, Trutch’s legacy of racist policies and refusal to acknowledge treaties and titles caused significant harm to indigenous groups in BC.
“The renaming of Trutch Street is not only a significant act of decolonization, but also an important step forward in our journey to reconciliation," said Mayor Lisa Helps. “It’s thanks to the dedication of the UVIC students behind the initial call to rename the street, the support we heard from the community members and the meaningful discussions with the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations that the Su’it Street sign stands here today.”
“Today Songhees Nation is pleased to be part of the renaming of Trutch Street, now called Su'it Street, Lekwungen for 'truth,” said Chief Sam. “By memorializing historical figures who were known racists, we allow their influence to live on. With the renaming of this road, the Lekwungen people are not only able to share our native language, but also decolonize a chapter of local history. We will continue to work with the City of Victoria to change the narrative on historical figures, and towards a partnership reflective of truth and reconciliation.”
“Just another stop on the road to reconciliation,” said Esquimalt Chief Rob Thomas. “It's nice being able to recognize the wrong of the past and work together to try and fix it.”
The new street signage includes both the Lekwungen (səʔit) and English (Su’it) spellings and has a pronunciation guide to support the revitalization of the Lekwungen language and enable integration with address and mapping.
As part of the City’s ongoing reconciliation efforts with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, staff have been working with members of the Lekwungen cultural team to strengthen local Indigenous identity and make the culture, history and modern reality of local Indigenous peoples more present and apparent throughout Victoria. Initiatives like these seek to foster resilient, long-term relationships between the City and the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, and are important steps forward on the path of reconciliation.
On June 23rd, Council adopted the bylaw to officially rename Trutch Street to Su’it Street. Originally named after Joseph Trutch, BC’s first lieutenant governor, Trutch’s legacy of racist policies and refusal to acknowledge treaties and titles caused significant harm to indigenous groups in BC.
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Full Text Word Count: 458