News release
For immediate release

A view of PKOLS in the distance.

Saanich, BC – At a meeting on August 15, Saanich Council approved a request from the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (WLC) to move forward with a name restoration for PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park). PKOLS is the name of Mount Douglas in SENĆOŦEN and is an important place for the W̱SÁNEĆ people.  

“PKOLS is an extremely important location in the history of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation,” said Eric Pelkey, Community Engagement Coordinator for the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council and Elder from the Tsawout First Nation. “It was created by XÁLS as the border between us and the Lekwungen people, and it was where we met with James Douglas in 1852 to discuss what became known as the Douglas Treaty. For these reasons, we, as W̱SÁNEĆ people, have a special relationship with PKOLS.”

Saanich Council identified an action in its 2019-2023 Strategic Plan to rename the park recognizing the sacred significance of the location to the W̱SÁNEĆ people.

“This is another step forward in our journey toward reconciliation,” said Mayor Fred Haynes. “As we work to build and strengthen relationships with our neighbouring First Nations, I’m pleased to address this significant action from our Strategic Plan.”

On December 3, 2021, the WLC and Saanich formalized their commitment to reconciliation and pursuit of shared opportunities with the signing of on ÁTOL,NEUEL (“Respecting One Another”) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The name restoration has emerged as one of the jointly supported priority areas of both Councils.

Saanich Council has the authority to name or rename a municipal park under its Park Naming Policy.

Next steps

Saanich staff will work with WLC staff to develop an appropriate protocol to honour the name restoration. Information about a name restoration event to take place in 2023 will be shared at Saanich.ca when it becomes available.

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Media contacts:

Eric Pelkey
Community Engagement Coordinator, W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council
250-880-2457

Megan Catalano
Communications Manager, District of Saanich
megan.catalano@saanich.ca
250-475-7639