News & Updates
Since our grassroots group was formed (June 2021), a lot has happened!
With this timeline, we highlight several achievements and collaborations over the last couple of years.
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May 4, 2023:
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Hundreds of people, wearing orange and place names shirts, stood outside City Hall in support of the name change, and in response to racist anti-name change rhetoric that had been circulating on social media
April 20, 2023:
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MP Rachel Blaney announced that she has requested changing the electoral riding name to North Island-qathet
March 3, 2023:
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A public ceremony was held to honour and celebrate the new name qÊ·aqÊ·θam for the Patricia Theater's auditorium. It means 'telling a story'
January 23, 2023:
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Powell River Board of Education begins process to change its name
October 2022:
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The Name Matters surveys candidates in municipal election about their stance on changing the City's name
September 20, 2022:
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VIU regional campus is given a new name: tiwšɛmawtxw, which means House of Learning.
August 9, 2022:
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qathet Division of Family Practice adopts new name, through membership engagement and vote
July 25, 2022:
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Regional hospital receives new name: qathet General Hospital
July 16, 2022:
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11 recommendations released by the Joint Working Group in a report to the three local governments
April 6, 2022:
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Joint Working Group change plans for public engagement sessions, to increase opportunities for learning
March 31, 2022:
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Members of the qathet Museum and Archives vote in favour of new name
March 9, 2022:
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Possible name change process is launched, including community survey
November 2021:
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The Powell River Peak Newspaper changes its name to Peak, voice of the qathet region​
September 30, 2021:
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Special edition, first National Truth and Reconciliation Day; Peak, voice of the qathet region
September 24, 2021:
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KnowHistory Historical Services graciously provide an in-depth report The Legacy of Israel Wood Powell
August 2021:
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Powell River Historical Museum & Archives seeks name change
July (late), 2021:
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The online store opens on qa t'hah yeesht website to support fundraising initiatives
July (mid) 2021:
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Talks begin with Catalyst, a Paper Excellence Company, to rename division
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Many local businesses and prominent organizations express their interest in honouring the name change as a gesture of reconciliation
July 1, 2021:
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Special edition "Canada" Day contributions; Peak, voice of the qathet region
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qa t'hah yeesht website published
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Go Fund Me campaign published
May 12, 2021:
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Three local governments discuss the origins of the City's name, and the prospect of change
July 2018:
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qathet Regional District formally adopts its new name
July 31, 2023:
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​TNM publishes "The Case for Changing Powell River's Name" with The Tyee.
October 2017:
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Regional District concludes public engagement related to name change
June 2017:
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Tla'amin Elders gift the name qathet to the Regional District. It means 'working together'