I would like to offer my opinion on the proposed name change for Powell River to promote truth and reconciliation. I am relatively new here being a resident for only 20 years.
It would be a costly error to remove “Powell River” from the world map. This city has built an international reputation by creating such things as International Choral Kathaumixw, Pacific Region International Summer Music Association (PRISMA), and a trail system that is respected as a world class bike race destination. In addition, Powell River is home to one of only a few national historic sites due to its history in the papermaking world.
While it is important to recognize the Indigenous history of the territory, this could be far better served by promoting this history as part of our joint heritage and culture with actions such as the totem pole presented to the winner of Kathaumixw, dual language street signs, tourist information brochures, and perhaps an Indigenous museum, et cetera.
Truth and reconciliation must cover more than residential schools and requires far more than just a name change. There were a lot more people and groups responsible for the residential school situation than Israel Powell and the federal government of Canada.
All of the laws passed in any country are passed considering the times and trends of the country at that particular time. All laws must be updated to relate to the times.
The Indian Act should have been abolished long before it was. Today’s citizens cannot be held responsible for actions taken by a government over 100 years ago. We can only change those laws felt to be injurious to the general population without regard to specific sectors of our society.
I have lived in many different places in Canada, both large and small population centres. Never have I seen a place of this size to be so well known and respected as Powell River. To change the name would be to erase that recognition and respect from the rest of the world that Powell River evokes in other lands.
How many people in this city knew, before the residential school horror became known, how Powell River got its name? Or who Israel Powell was?
Since none of us were here at the time, we obviously had no say in the naming. None of us have any connection to the name Israel Powell. We certainly do to the name Powell River.
How many people moved to Powell River strictly because of the name? Most of us came here for employment or enjoyment of the many local amenities. Changing the name would have little effect on our daily lives but would have a tremendous effect on our world image.
I strongly support retaining the current name of our bit of paradise.
Jim Rose is a Powell River resident.
