B.C. SPCA shelter adopts the name “qathet” in a move toward reconciliation with the Tla’amin Nation, reflecting respect and collaboration.
The B.C. SPCA’s Sunshine Coast shelter has taken a bold step in its reconciliation efforts by adopting a new name from the Tla’amin Nation. The former Powell River Community Animal Centre will now be known as “qathet,” a ʔayʔaǰuθəm word meaning “working together.”
A Turning Point in the SPCA’s Relationship with Indigenous Communities
The renaming was announced at a ceremony attended by community members and Tla’amin Nation leaders. Losa Luaifoa, an executive council member of the Tla’amin Nation, acknowledged the SPCA’s legacy of compassion toward animals, but also pointed to a painful past of misunderstanding with Indigenous communities.
“This name marks a turning point,” Luaifoa said. “It’s about partnership, healing, and a new kind of relationship rooted in mutual respect.”
A Call for Inclusive Animal Welfare
B.C. SPCA CEO Craig Daniell emphasized the importance of integrating Indigenous values into animal welfare conversations. He acknowledged the historic disconnect between colonial authorities and Indigenous practices surrounding animal care.
“To truly see a world where animals and people thrive together, all our communities must be included in the conversation,” said Daniell.
Qathet: A Growing Symbol of Reconciliation
The SPCA shelter joins a list of regional institutions embracing the name “qathet” in recent years. Since 2018, the qathet Regional District, qathet General Hospital, and qathet School District have adopted the name as part of a broader reconciliation movement. The renaming seeks to move away from colonial figures like Israel Powell, a key figure in the residential school system and the outlawing of cultural practices such as potlatch.
