Belcarra Regional Park is now known as təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park, following a renaming ceremony with Metro Vancouver and Tsleil-Waututh Nation on Oct. 8.
The ceremony began with paddlers arriving in traditional canoes, followed by speeches, an unveiling of a new park sign, as well as a performance by Tsleil-Waututh dancers and drummers, Children of Takaya. Attendees included Tsleil-Waututh’s chief and council, elders, staff and community members, along with Metro Vancouver elected officials and staff.
The name təmtəmíxʷtən reflects the park’s history and translates to “the biggest place for all the people” in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language. The park itself is the location of Tsleil-Waututh’s largest ancestral village.
“The name təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park supports in telling the story of Tsleil-Waututh,” said Tsleil-Waututh Chief Jen Thomas. “It shows both our community and the general public the importance of acknowledging and honouring our history on this land and in these waters since time out of mind.”
Since signing the Belcarra Regional Park Cultural Planning and Co-operation Agreement in 2020, the park’s dual naming is a milestone in Metro Vancouver and Tsleil-Waututh’s ongoing collaboration.
