stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge
In recognition of First Nations’ deep historical and current connections to the Project area, Musqueam Indian Band and Kwantlen First Nation have bestowed the people of British Columbia a name for the new bridge in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language: stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge.
Pronouncing the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ bridge name
Learning and using the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ name, stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge, is an easy way to celebrate and share the traditions and history of the bridge area.
To learn more about the pronunciation of stal̕əw̓asəm, check out the Bridge Name Pronunciation video and the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge Pronunciation Guide.
stal̕əw̓asəm can be understood as “a space where you can view the river.” The English name is Riverview. While an English translation of the bridge name is provided, learning and using the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ name is encouraged. It is an opportunity to honour and celebrate Indigenous language and culture, support language revitalization, and demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation.
The name will be featured on the bridge tower crossbeam alongside First Nations art installations. Other signage on and around the bridge will feature both the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ name and the anglicized name.
About hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓
hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ is the Downriver Dialect of a three-dialect language comprised of hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (spoken throughout what is now Metro Vancouver), Həl̕q̓əmin̓əm̓ (spoken on eastern Vancouver Island), and Halq̓eméylem (Upriver Dialect spoken from Mission into the Fraser Canyon).
Traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓-speaking communities are xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), səlil̕wət̕aʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷa:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), and scəw̓aθən (Tsawwassen). Many people already know the anglicized forms of these hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓-speaking communities’ names without realizing.
Additionally, several words and names used in everyday English have been borrowed from Həl̕q̓əmin̓əm̓-hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓-Halq̓eméylem languages. For example, Sasquatch is the anglicized form of sesq̓əc, sockeye is the anglicized form of sθəqəy̓, and coho is the anglicized form of kʷəxʷəθ.
Visit this First Nations Languages of British Columbia map to learn more about languages spoken across the Province.
Language Revitalization
Language is a vital part of culture, providing a sense of identity. The revitalization of language provides the opportunity for First Nations to reclaim their cultural ties and connection to the land. Education is a fundamental component of reconciliation, and the new bridge’s hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ name will increase public understanding of the cultural and historical significance of this area to Musqueam, Kwantlen, and their relations.
“Language is the truest identifier of who you are and where you come from.”
sʔəyəɬəq (Larry Grant), 2014
FAQ
First Nations Participation
As part of the environmental assessment, and as directed by the British Columbia Environmental Assessment office (BC EAO), the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project has been undertaking consultation with First Nations. Areas of First Nations consultation and participation include habitat restoration and enhancement, Indigenous species planting, and fish studies in the Fraser River.
The Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project has also developed a multi-phase First Nations art program. The program aims to use artwork, storytelling, language, educational signage and other methods of shared information regarding the past, present and ongoing importance, use and stewardship of the lands and waters wherein the Project is located.