North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney has filed an objection to the current name of her riding - and has requested a change to North Island-qathet.

Blaney says the proposed name change is much more reflective of the entire riding - noting that while Powell River is only one city, “qathet" is the name of the regional district, so it encompasses a much larger, more representative area.”

Blaney notes the word “qathet“, which means “working together” was gifted by the Tla’amin First Nation to the regional district in 2017.

The Nation asked Blaney to undertake the name change request, which she is doing with the support of Komox, Homalco, and Klashoose Nations, each of which has shared culture and language with Tla’amin First Nation.

She says the name change would be an acknowledgement of the First Peoples of the territory, also noting that Powell River is named for the first superintendent for Indian Affairs in British Columbia - a man who brought in many colonial policies, including residential schools.

K’ómoks First Nation Elected Chief Councillor Ken Price says the change would provide important recognition of the First Peoples of the region.